Tips and Advice for Getting a Union Job

Tips and Advice for Getting a Union JobTips and Advice for Getting a Union JobAre you interested in working at a job where youll belong to a labor union? Unions are found in every industry, and manyunion jobs pay well. They strive to ensure higher wages, shorter work weeks, and safer work environments for their members. Joining a union gives members good wages and benefits, as well as some protection against arbitrary firing, so union positions are attractive to many workers. Benefits of Union Jobs Union workers in jobs comparable to those of non-union employees typically have better wages. For instance, according to the United StatesBureau of Labor Statistics(BLS), the median weekly income of a non-union worker was $860 in 2018 as compared to $1,051 for a union worker. Non-union workers earned only about 82% of the wages garnered by union employees. Thus, union workers earned an average of about $10,000 in increased wages over the course of a year, due to belonging to a union. I n addition to coverage by a collective bargaining agreement, this earnings difference was influenced by other factorstoo. Greater distributions of union members than nonunion employees exist in some higher-paying areas within occupational, industry, age, firm size, and geographic region categories. For example, the overall average of workers represented by unions was 10.7%, but in protective services and education, the rate of union membership was 33.9% and 33.8%, respectively.Men, who traditionally receive higher compensation in this country, were more likely to be members of unions (11.1% for men versus 9.9% for women). Union employees also have access to better benefits. In 2018, 94% ofunion workers had access to medical and retirement benefits, while only 66% of non-union employees had medical benefits.Medical debtis the number one cause of bankruptcy in the United States, so healthcare benefits are a huge asset to employees. Non-union workers are usuallyat-will employees, meani ng they can be fired for virtually any reason at all, as long as it is not based ondiscriminationregarding gender, race, or religion. If an employer decides they do not like your hair length or if you come in five minutes late, they have every right to fire you immediately. Union employees, however, have greater job security. To fire you, there must be alegitimate cause. There has to be evidence of actual misconduct or poor performance, and there is typically a process that takes place, including arbitration with union leaders. Union members also have strength in numbers. If conditionsare getting dangerous or hours are too long, they can work together to lobby company leadership without fear of retaliation. Common Occupations and Industries for Union Workers According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the occupations with the highest concentration of union workers include Protective service occupations 33.9%Education and library occupations 33.8%Construction and extraction occu pations 17.1%Installation maintenance and repair occupations 15.1%Transportation occupations 14.5%Community and social service occupations 13.8%Production occupations 11.9%Healthcare practitioners 11.4% The industries with the largest number of union workers include the federal, state, and local government sectors, utilities, transportation, telecommunications, construction, educational services, motion pictures and sound recording, and manufacturing. There aremany different types of jobs available within each industry. Tips for Finding a Union Job Union jobs can be more difficult to find than other forms of work. When the economy worsens, more people seek union work for greater protection, particularly when layoffs become more common.Union workers have higher wages and more powerto influence company leadership than non-union workerstypicallydo. Because of these factors, competition to enter the unions can be stiff, so you often need to spend a good deal of time networking with union members to get hired. Apply Directly to Companies Affiliated with UnionsOne of the easiest ways to get a union job is to look for major employers and companies that work with unions already. You will typically find that information right on the company website or by inquiring with neighbors, family friends, members of your church group, and other contacts. Use Union-Specific Job BanksThere are also union-specific job banks. The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), a national trade union center and the largest federation of unions in the United States, deutsche bundesposts union listings by industry on itswebsite. Visit the websites of otherunionsto find job postings or inquire about opportunities through union officials.Unionjobs.comis an excellent source for union jobs, including positions working directly with the administration of unions. Check Job BoardsMany union employers willpost job listings on other major job search sites, s uch as CareerBuilder, Indeed, or Monster. You can also attend labor council meetings in your county to meet union leaders and find out which companies are hiring. Research Apprenticeship ProgramsApprenticeship programsare common within skilled trades labor union occupations like plumbing, construction, carpentry, electrical, and pipe fitting, and are an excellent way to acquire training and gain access to union jobs.Search for apprenticeships in your state by using keywordssuchas, apprenticeships Illinois or apprenticeships New York. Contactunionsin your field and geographic area of interest and inquire about apprenticeship programs. TheUnited States Department of Laboroffers information about apprenticeship programs for union and non-union workers through its website. Get Some ExperienceIt will be easier to gain access to an apprenticeship or union job if you have some experience in your target field.Consider working as a laborer or assistant for a local non-union trade worker in c onstruction, plumbing or another area of interest to gain exposure, build some skills, and prove that you have a genuine interest in the field. Attending atrade school programis another way to get the basics youll need to get hired. How to Join a Union If youre employed by a company that is affiliated with a union, ask the human resources department at your employer or the national office of the union for the contact information for a local union representative. Research the dues and benefits for joining the union. Secure and complete the paperwork (or online documents) for joining the union and having your dues deducted from your paycheck. In construction and other trades where you might work for a union contractor, independently, or on a project basis, identify the local chapter of the union for your field.Meet with a representative to learn about dues and how the union will connect you to projects.Ask to speak with other local members if you have questions or doubts. You may need to apply to be eligible to join the union. The union representative will explain the process to you. If youre accepted, complete the required membership documents, and youll be allset.