Exploring your career path involves more than picking the right job. You need to know your rights and understand where you stand as an employee of a company. With that in mind, you may have come across the idea of a labor union.
Labor unions exist to help employees stand up for themselves and get what they’re entitled to. Nevertheless, many employees of big and small companies aren’t union members for one reason or another. The biggest factor is that you don’t fully understand the scope of what a union can do for you.
So, if you’re on the fence about joining one, here are three reasons it makes complete sense:
Get Better Pay Rates
Have you ever wondered why some workers get paid a lot better than you, despite the fact they might do the same job, just at a different company? In some rare cases, you even come across workers with better pay rates in your company.
You always worry about protecting your finances as you grow your career, and the right labor union will help you do that by negotiating better pay rates on your behalf. Unionized workers get higher wages because the union fights for their rights and can help them get the pay they deserve.
Improve Your Work Environment
Joining the right union will help you enjoy a much better work environment. This is one of the key roles of unionization – it exists to encourage employers to provide safer and better working conditions for union members.
If they don’t, then the members will go on strike, ruining workplace productivity for the employer. That’s just a slight hint of the power you get when you join a union, which is why many people are starting to warm up to this idea. It’s especially helpful if you work in quite dangerous places, like a warehouse or factory.
Enhance Job Security
Around 54.5% of employees worry about job security. There’s always the fear that one day, your employer might call you into their office and let you go. Sometimes, there’s nothing you can do about this. However, a union will help prevent instances when you’re fired without valid reasons.
As such, you can work and live with better job security. The lingering threat feels less real as you know someone is fighting in your corner and upholding your rights. Plus, even if you are made redundant, then unions will ensure you get the right severance packages based on what you deserve.
All things considered, labor unions sound like excellent ideas. The type of union you join will depend on a few factors, such as where you work, what industry you’re in, and what you do. Some companies will work closely with unions already, meaning they give you an opportunity to join one when you’re hired. Others don’t, so you’ll have to find one in your own time. It’s also helpful to try and get as many of your fellow employees to join the same union, as this gives you more power!
