Money Motivator

Labor unions are a large provider of skilled workers for construction projects all over the nation. As I graduate with a Construction Engineering Management degree in the next week, I have heavily considered working for unions in specific trades and have had many friends go work for unions as the price of school is excessive.

One of my closest friends who instantly went into the union as a plumber has had quite an experience throughout his time. The beginning years as an apprentice has had him working his tail off as he pushes his way to journeyman and increase his tenure. He has been laid off of an assortment of times as the construction industry can be quite volatile, but has almost immediately been picked up by other companies and continues working. Although these beginning years have been full of changes, uncertainty and long hours; he appreciates the opportunity he gets from the union as wages, benefits and the ability to work are heavily increased compared to non-union. When he is laid off, there is relatively low concern as the union list allows him to be picked up by other companies quickly, allowing him to continue working.

For me personally, although I have already accepted a position that is non-union, I would absolutely be inclined to work for a company that is union. This provides an extra layer of security as an employee with an array of benefits that are fought for by union representatives. This is met with some cons as unions oftentimes require members to pay dues equaling 1.5-2.5% of their salary (Maryville University), which cuts into the increased wages. From my perspective, paying 1.5-2.5% of my salary for the opportunity to have more security in an extremely volatile work industry is absolutely worth every penny.

https://online.maryville.edu/blog/pros-and-cons-of-unions/#:~:text=Labor%20unions%20charge%20dues%20to,workplace%20tension%2C%20and%20slower%20advancement.

Compensation within the work realm is a huge factor in the performance of many individuals from a day to day perspective. It largely impacts individuals psychological and can positively or negatively impact the firm that is providing these wages.

An instance for me where I felt that I was being well compensated occurs now at the Recreation Center where I manage the floor and staff intaking participants. Although it is still a student emplyment job and does not compare to future full-time positions, it is still a well compensated job for the work that I am performing. This has inherently led me to attempt to perform better at my job in all realms (customer service, conflict management, coworker relations) and has therefore provided the recreation center with better performance compared to if they paid me and my peers less.

With less compensation, I would feel undervalued and underappreciated which would directly result in my undervaluing the company or facility that I am working for. With this increase in pay relative to other positions offered at the school, I feel as though they are valuing my work and the work of my coworkers to a different degree. Not only has this position provided me with an increased paycheck to get me through school, but have also provided an onset of skills that I can also apply to the future.

This is a phenonena with many people in the work realm and through a study initiated by Glassdoor, “45 percent of employees were motivated to work harder when they have recieved a higher salary.” This number is not necessarily staggering to any means but gives a good indication that it is heavily appreciated by individuals who are given higher salaries.

Sources:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/high-salary-key-productivity-recent-research-saurabh-srivastava/

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