If you just started a new job that has a union (or your company just unionized), then you might be curious as to whether or not you’re required to join. Do you HAVE to join the union?
Here’s Five Fast Facts About Union Membership:
- 🤝 Do I Have to Join? - Nope. Union membership is not a condition of employment. Make sure you do not sign anything saying you’re joining unless you want to.
- 🏗️ So I’m Left Out? - Not quite. If your company has a collective bargaining agreement, you still have the right to be represented fairly in everything associated with that agreement, regardless of your membership status. So, you’ll still get a say in what’s happening… sort of.
- 🤷 What Am I Giving Up? - For starters, unions usually offer better pay. Unions have the ability to negotiate for better pay for its members. Among other things, unions also allow you to file grievances and negotiate contracts.
- 😱 Am I Going To Lose Anything? - You’ll still have all the standard benefits your company gives like insurance, retirement savings and so on.
- 🛑 What if I’m a Member and Want to Leave? - There is absolutely nothing stopping you. It is illegal for a Union to force you to stay and it’s also illegal to make it a condition of your employment as a whole.
🔥Bottom line: Maybe you’re opposed to the idea of a union. Maybe you don’t want to pay the dues. Maybe you’re a contrarian. Whatever the case, union membership is a choice that you’re free to make on your own.
Are You A Union Member?
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