Do You Need Union Representation?
There's a lot of talk, both positive and negative, about what union membership can or can’t do for you and your rights in the workplace. The truth of the matter is, the best way to learn how becoming a union member will affect your life is by finding out for yourself.

Look at the facts and then decide. And, when you're ready to learn more, give the Organizing Department of International Union of Painters and Allied Trades a call at 202-637-0700, or, click here to fill out our online form. We'll contact you as soon as possible to give you the answers that will allow you to make a choice that's best for you and your family.

What is a union?
A union is a group of workers who form a democratic organization to gain respect on the job, better wages and fair benefits. A union gives workers a voice in the workplace and ensures equality.

Many don’t know that it was the men and women in unions over the last 100 years that successfully fought for laws to end child labor abuse, establish an eight hour workday, create and enforce strong worker safety rules, Social Security, unemployment insurance, the minimum wage and overtime benefits.

Today, unions continue to fight to make certain the working men and women who shoulder the progress of the United States, Canada and beyond receive fair compensation and benefits for their hard work. Unions fight for what workers deserve - nothing more, nothing less.

What can a union do for you?
Unions raise wages – for everyone.

The average (United States) weekly earnings for a union, full-time worker was $760 in 2003. Non-union workers earned, on average, $599 a week. Of course, wages and salaries vary from region to region, but the difference in these averages makes a powerful point.

Furthermore, minorities and women see even more of a benefit by joining a union. Union women earn 33 percent more than nonunion women, Latino workers earn 51 percent more than their nonunion coworkers and African Americans earn 35 percent more*.

AVERAGE WEEKLY EARNINGS OF FULL-TIME WAGE AND SALARY WORKERS, 2003 *Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Earnings, January 2004. Prepared by the AFL-CIO.

Union workers have better health care and pensions.
As indicated below, 83 percent of union members have a pension plan compared to only 44% of their nonunion coworkers, 75 percent have medical benefits compared to only 49 percent for nonunion.

1 The survey covers all 50 States and the District of Columbia. Collection was conducted between February and December 2000. The average reference period was July 2000. * This chart was prepared by the Labor Relations Association – www.laborresearch.org - based on information obtained by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The union difference is that more people have the means to keep themselves and their families healthy as well as receive a steady income through their pension plan when they’re ready to retire.

How do I know if I’m allowed to join or form a union at my workplace?
Everyone has the right to join or form a union. The National Labor Relations Act guarantees you the opportunity to attend meetings to discuss joining a union; read, distribute and discuss union literature on your own time; wear union buttons, t-shirts, stickers, hats or other items on the job; ask other employees to support the union and sign a card asking your employer to recognize and bargain with the union on your behalf.

By law, your employer cannot threaten, discipline, harass or fire you for participating in the above activities.

By law, your employer cannot favor employees who don’t support the union over those who do with promotions, raises, job assignments or other incentives.

By law, your employer cannot close its doors or take away benefits to discourage union activity.

By law, you have the right to choose union!

Want to know more? Give the Organizing Department of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades a call at 202-637-0700, or, click here to fill out our online form. We'll contact you as soon as possible to give you the answers that will allow you to make a choice that's best for you and your family.

[to top]