What is a union?

A labor union is an organization that acts as an intermediary between its members and
the business that employs them. The main purpose is to give workers the power to negotiate more favorable working conditions and other benefits through collective bargaining.

Our union joins workers together and uses our strength to have a voice in the workplace.
The union offers stability, security and support. They often provide legal support and representation in disputes with employers, ensuring that workers’ rights are protected. Unions also serve an important role making sure that management acts fairly and treats its workers with respect. Unions help workers with job security, preventing unfair layoffs or unjust disciplinary actions. 

Unions are democratic organizations and its leaders are elected by the membership.

Why do I need a union?

When public service workers come together in a union, their collective voice becomes a powerful tool for advocating not just for themselves, but for the communities they serve. Organizing as a union amplifies the impact of individual concerns, allowing workers to push for better working conditions, fair pay, and policies that support both employees and the public.

With a united front, workers can engage in meaningful dialogue with management and lawmakers, advocating for the resources, training, and support needed to provide the best service to the community. Additionally, unions can help ensure that workers' rights are respected, offering job security, fair treatment, and protection against unfair practices.

This strength and unity make a significant difference in achieving long-term, positive changes.

Do union workers get higher wages?

Union membership clearly has a substantial impact on wage equality and earning potential, especially for women, people of color, and marginalized groups. The fact that unions help bridge wage gaps for underrepresented groups highlights the importance of collective bargaining in promoting fairness and economic justice.

By organizing and bargaining as a collective, unions empower workers to secure better wages, benefits, and working conditions, which in turn helps to reduce economic disparities. The difference in wages for women, African Americans, and Latino workers specifically is a reminder of the role unions can play in creating more equitable workplaces.

This is a strong argument for the positive impact of union representation, not only for individual workers but for building a more inclusive and fair workforce overall.

Do union workers get better benefits?

Having a union behind you means that you’re more likely to have the security of healthcare coverage and a pension plan, which can provide long-term stability for workers and their families.

Health care benefits are particularly critical, as they not only protect workers' well-being but also ensure that they can afford medical treatment without the financial burden that many face when health insurance is not available or is too expensive. Similarly, pension plans provide workers with financial security after they retire, giving them peace of mind about their future.

The contrast between union and non-union workers here is stark. While many non-union workers may have to deal with uncertain or inadequate benefits, union members are more likely to have comprehensive coverage, which improves overall job satisfaction and financial security.

These benefits, combined with the ability to negotiate better wages, make unions a key player in improving workers' quality of life.

Why do I need a union now?

Public service workers are often the unsung heroes who make our communities function—whether it's through education, healthcare, emergency services, or maintaining infrastructure. But when politicians or pundits undermine public service workers, it’s not just about pay or benefits; it’s about the values of fairness, respect, and the essential role these workers play in our society.

The attempt to privatize public sector jobs, reduce benefits, and strip workers of their rights directly affects not just the workers, but the quality of the services that our communities rely on. When public services are outsourced to private contractors, it often results in lower wages, fewer benefits, and sometimes a decline in service quality. That directly hurts the people who need these services most.

Unions are key in protecting public service workers, pushing back against these attacks, and ensuring that workers continue to have a voice in the fight for fair wages, better working conditions, and secure retirements. The union not only serves to protect workers but also strengthens the broader middle class and the communities that rely on public services.

The call to act now and protect workers' rights is vital, especially at a time when political and economic pressures are increasingly targeting these essential roles. It's about protecting the future of workers and ensuring that working families can thrive.

What is collective bargaining and how does it work?

Collective bargaining is one of the most powerful tools that workers have to ensure their voices are heard in the workplace. By negotiating directly with employers—whether it's a private company or a public agency—workers can secure better wages, improved working conditions, and a fairer distribution of benefits.

Having a committee of co-workers who represent the entire bargaining unit is crucial. It ensures that the concerns of workers are addressed and that everyone has a say in the terms of the contract. The fact that workers sit at the bargaining table as equals with management ensures that negotiations are more balanced, and it allows workers to push for terms that truly reflect their needs and concerns.

For home-based care workers or those in similar fields, the union's strength lies in the collective power of its members, especially when negotiating with public agencies. These workers can often feel isolated in their jobs, but through the union, they gain a united voice to fight for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. It’s a system that ensures that decisions are made with input from those who are most directly impacted by them.

And, as you mentioned, the agreement can only become a contract if the majority of union members approve it. This democratic process ensures that the contract reflects the needs and interests of the majority, empowering workers to act collectively and make decisions that benefit everyone.

Does having a union mean there will be strikes?

Striking is often seen as a last resort in collective bargaining. It's a tactic that is only used when all other avenues for negotiation and discussion have been exhausted. The decision to strike is a serious one, and it's made collectively by the workers involved, not imposed from the top down. This democratic process ensures that every worker has a voice in the decision, and that the strike reflects the collective will of the bargaining unit.

While strikes can be powerful, they also come with risks, and unions like AFSCME typically prefer to resolve conflicts through negotiations and peaceful means. A well-organized and united union can often avoid strikes by building strong relationships with employers, maintaining open communication, and using other tactics to achieve the desired outcomes—whether that’s through public pressure, media campaigns, or rallies that highlight workers’ needs.

The fact that AFSCME members typically don't have to resort to strikes is a testament to the strength and organization of the union. A well-organized local with a clear plan and unity among workers can often achieve its goals without the need for a disruptive strike.

How can I sign up?

Signing up is as easy as a phone call!  Please call the Member Action Center (MAC) at 651-450-4990 to join now or click on MemberLink!