News

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Greater Michigan Locals believe in the power of collective action. We know that when workers stand together, they can achieve better wages, more substantial benefits, safer workplaces, and a greater voice in their jobs. For too long, many have been told that going it alone is the only way, but the facts speak for themselves: union membership delivers real, tangible benefits for working families.

Here in the United States, the data consistently shows that unionized workplaces are better workplaces. Let us look at some key facts:

Your Paycheck Goes Further with a Union:

It is simple: union members earn more. On average, workers covered by a union contract see a 10.2% increase in their wages compared to non-union workers with similar skills and experience in the same fields. That is real money in your pocket, making it easier to afford housing, groceries, education, and a secure future. (Source: Economic Policy Institute)

Unions Help Close the Wage Gap:

The fight for economic justice means ensuring fair pay for everyone. Unions play a vital role in this:

• Women in unions earn 4.7% more per hour than their non-union counterparts.
• Black union workers see a remarkable 13.1% wage advantage.
• Hispanic union members earn a significant 18.8% more.

By advocating for fair and equitable contracts, unions help level the playing field and reduce the disparities that persist in the non-union sector. (Source: Economic Policy Institute)

Security and Peace of Mind Through Strong Benefits:

Beyond wages, unions champion comprehensive benefits that provide security for you and your family:

• Nearly all (96%) union workers have access to employer-provided health insurance, compared to just 69% of non-union workers. This means better access to vital healthcare without breaking the bank.
• Union membership dramatically increases your chances of having a secure retirement. A staggering 54% of union workers are in an employer-provided guaranteed pension plan, while only 8% of non-union workers have this security. (Source: AFL-CIO)

A Stronger Voice Leads to a Better Workplace:

The benefits of unionization extend beyond just pay and benefits. By having a collective voice, union members can advocate for:

• Safer working conditions: Unions have been proven to reduce workplace injuries and fatalities, ensuring you can go home healthy at the end of the day. (Source: County Health Rankings & Roadmaps)
• Fair treatment and respect: Union contracts often include grievance procedures and protections against unfair dismissal, providing a level of job security and dignity that is usually absent in non-union workplaces.
• Increased productivity: Studies have even suggested a link between unionization and increased productivity within companies. When workers have a voice and feel valued, they are more invested in their work. (Source: The Economic Journal)
• Reduced Employee Turnover: When workers are treated fairly and compensated well, they are more likely to stay with their employer, reducing costly turnover for companies and fostering a more stable workforce. (Source: Pitta LLP)

Together, we can build a stronger, more equitable future for all working families. Your voice matters, and together, we are stronger.

• Economic Policy Institute (EPI)
  • Source: "Unions and Well-Being"
  • Link: https://www.epi.org/publication/unions-and-well-being/
  • Information Used: Statistics on higher wages for union workers and the role of unions in closing gender and racial wage gaps.

• AFL-CIO
  • Source: "Union Facts: The Value of Collective Voice"
  • Link: https://aflcio.org/formaunion/collective-voice
  • Information Used: Statistics on the percentage of union workers with employer-provided health insurance and pension plans.

• The Economic Journal
  • Source: "Union Density Effects on Productivity and Wages"
  • Link: https://academic.oup.com/ej/article/130/631/1898/5824627
  • Information Used: Reference to a study suggesting a positive correlation between union density and firm productivity.

• County Health Rankings & Roadmaps
  • Source: "Labor Unions"
  • Link: https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/strategies-and-solutions/what-works-for-health/strategies/labor-unions
  • Information Used: Statistics linking unions to a reduction in fatal injuries and an increase in safety inspections.

• Pitta LLP
  • Source: "How do unions affect employees and businesses?"
  • Link: https://www.pittalaw.com/blog/2023/10/how-do-unions-affect-employees-and-businesses/
  • Information Used: Reference to the effect of unions on reducing employee turnover.