What a Union Can and Cannot Do
Unions CAN
- Collect dues, fees, fines, and assessments
- Negotiate and make proposals
- Act or refuse to act on union member’s grievance
- Represent all team members even those who voted against the union
- Require union members to go on strike
- Discipline, issue penalties, or fine members who violate union by-laws
Unions CANNOT
- Guarantee you will obtain a green card or make any other change in your immigration status
- Guarantee a union contract
- Guarantee higher wages
- Guarantee better benefits
- Guarantee hours
- Guarantee employment
- Prevent layoffs
- Prevent termination for just cause
- Set job standards
- Fire or transfer managers
A union is a business that represents members and negotiates the terms and conditions of their employment.
- A union charges fees for its services. These fees are often deducted directly from members’ paychecks.
- Today, just 5.9% of workers in the private sector belong to a union.
- The union has a financial interest in your vote.
