Union Benefits

Are Unions making a difference?

With most of the economic benefits of our economy going to corporate America, working people are using the power of collective action to get their fair share.

Every worker deserves affordable health insurance, prescription drug coverage, living wages, safe working conditions, equal opportunity, a secure pension and a voice in the workplace.

The UFCW is working to make sure workers get their fair share. UFCW members enjoy the security of a union contract and the strength of 1.3 million members behind them.

Union Benefits

When workers stick together as a union, they have bargaining power and a collective voice that they simply do not have when they are not unionized.? Being a member of a union not only gives you a better position to get better wages, benefits and working conditions, you also get job security.

Non-union workers have limited rights and can be fired at-will, for no reason. Just because your boss is having a bad day and decides he/she doesn't want you around anymore. Non-union workers also find that the rules can change at the whim of the employer.

• One day you have paid for holidays and vacations and next week you dont.
• A raise is promised but never given.
• You've got too many hours one week but the next you're not making enough to get by.

With a union contract, everything is spelled out in black and white, as decided upon between the workers, a negotiating committee and the employer during bargaining, and the rules don't change until workers renegotiate. For instance, raises are guaranteed, holidays, vacations, hours, etc. can all be defined by the contract.

In addition, discipline and firing isn't at the whim of the employer for union members.? There are certain rules the boss has to go through, a series of steps, to show that they have just cause for discipline or firing you.Throughout this time, a union representative will be working on your behalf to represent you and make sure you get a fair deal and your rights are protected.