A labor union is basically a group of workers who join together to bargain as a team with their employer on things like pay, benefits, work conditions, schedules, and job security. Instead of each person trying to negotiate on their own, the union speaks for everyone, which gives workers more leverage and a louder voice. After doing some research, I realized labor unions have a much bigger impact on the workforce than I expected. Many of the sources I read explained how unions help employees secure higher wages, better benefits, and protections when workplace issues come up. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that union members tend to earn more than non-union workers in similar roles. Still, there are some disadvantages like higher labor costs for employers and less flexibility for companies when they need to make changes quickly.
Talking to my brother-in-law, who builds movie sets in Atlanta, made everything feel more real. He said his union is basically what keeps the job workable. The film industry is physically tough and isn’t always stable, so the union’s safety rules, pay expectations, and grievance processes help keep things fair. He said his favorite part of being in a union is the relationships he’s made that has also in turn given him more opportunities. What I didn’t realize is how much the union supports him during the long gaps between projects. Since film work comes in waves, having union health insurance tied to hours worked, plus pension credits and access to hiring halls, gives him a sense of financial security even when he’s not on a set. He said without the union, those slow periods would be way more stressful. He also admitted that union dues and seniority rules can be annoying, especially for newer workers, but overall, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
My main takeaway is that unions are especially valuable when work is unpredictable or when employees don’t have much bargaining power alone. I’d consider joining one if I ever felt unsafe, underpaid, or like my voice didn’t matter in the workplace.
Union Members Summary – 2024 A01 Results