Labor unions have impacts on employees, employers, and society, especially in the construction industry. For employees, a significant benefit of labor unions is the increase in wages and benefits. Unionized construction workers often have better wages, health benefits, and retirement plans compared to workers outside of the union. Additionally, the union provides employees with job security. Employees are protected from arbitrary firings and are represented in disputes. In the construction industry safety is a primary focus of all companies. Unions push for stronger safety standards and provide the employees with the necessary training. A con for the employees in the union are the dues that are required. Within the union, seniority is prioritized over merit which limits the growth possibility within the union.
For employers, unions help create a skilled workforce in the industry. Trainings and certifications are required resulting in a highly skilled workforce. Unions maintain OSHA standards which helps meet any safety requirements employers have. As employees make more money, employers have to spend more money. Union employees are often paid over the market rate making it harder for employers to manage this cost. When the union feels they are not properly compensated, they will go on strike. For employers, this is another cost and often a great loss in productivity.
Speaking with a former union plumber from a nearby construction union, they complimented the strong retirement benefits, job placement support, and training programs. They did voice the frustration with the union’s political disputes and having to wait for seniority-based assignments even when they were qualified and prepared. The actual experience demonstrates both empowerment and limitations compared to this week’s materials, which emphasize labor unions as defenders of worker rights. Ideally, unionization can be a counterbalance to corporate dominance, but in practice, factors like dues and bureaucracy make things more difficult.