1

Pros

• Consistently have higher earned wages week over week.
• Retirement security is more likely in unions than in non-union positions.
• Better safety and options regarding workplace abuse.
• Safety is a higher priority in places that have union reps, as they are required to comply with all health and safety laws.
• A bigger focus on the employee health and the employees’ loved ones, including more paid sick time and vacation time.

2

Cons

• Have to gain work experience and start from the bottom up to the top, while education is not looked at as a benefit up front in the job field.
• There are fees to join and recurring fees that are within the labor union.
• Forget about individuality, being a part of a union is more of a group mentality that is required.
• Looked at poorly by citizens within the United States and doesn’t have the best reputation with society.
• Can be bumped or laid off.

3

Thoughts

I’d want to ensure that my wages were higher indeed to make sure that it was worth the union fees that would occur upfront and year over year. I feel that there are truly pros and cons to joining a union. I would fear not being able to ask questions and feel comfortable in trying to gain more experience and opportunities. Having to earn seniority versus providing my skills, education, and previous work experience doesn’t sit right with me either. I know my coworker’s husband is in a union, and he doesn’t feel comfortable going to his union rep with concerns, as he doesn’t want to rock the boat and potentially be bumped or laid off if it comes to that in their department.