A Couple Of Your Questions About Union Membership Answered

Unions have long been central to a variety of industries, and workers that are unionized have numerous benefits over their counterparts. However, you may not be particularly experienced with unions, and as a result, you may be unsure of whether or not you want to join one of these organizations. Fortunately, having the following couple of questions about unions answered may help you to better decide whether this is the right move for you.

 

What Is The Process For Going On Strike?

 

When many people think of unions, they may imagine workers picketing their employer, and while this is certainly a tool for these organizations, striking is never something that is done carelessly. These events are disruptive to both the company and the workers’ lives, which is why these organizations have a formal process in place for deciding whether or not their grievances are worthy of a strike.

 

Before a strike can be called, workers must be given an opportunity to debate and vote on the measure. Unions like Canadian Office & Professional Employees Union Local 378 member’s rights are highly democratic, and each worker has a right to have their opinions heard. If the vote for the strike is approved, the workers will then decide on terms for ending the strike, and this will also require a vote.

 

How Will Your Contributions To The Union Be Used?

 

Out of each paycheck that you receive, a small portion will be diverted to you union. These membership fees are essential for sustaining the organization, but many people are hesitant because they believe the myth that these funds are primarily used for political purposes.

 

Fortunately, this is not the case, and your union membership fees will largely be used to sustain the benefits of the union. For example, many of these organizations have supplemental pension and healthcare benefits, and these fees will be used to help support these programs. Also, the union will likely build a reserve fund that can be used to help the workers make ends meet during lengthy strikes. While a small portion of the money will go towards political advocacy for workers, the amount spent on political action will be dwarfed by the portion of the contributions used to provide these helpful services.

 

Enrolling in a union can be an excellent way of helping to protect your rights while at work. However, many people are unsure of these organizations because they may not have ever been a member of one. By understanding the process for deciding to strike and what happens to your union dues, you will be better informed when it comes time to decide to join.