The Benefits of Unionizing Your Workplace

In the past few months, labor unions have seen significant growth, with major employers like Amazon and Starbucks seeing their employees begin to unionize. Though they have worked hard to discourage this trend, the increase in unionization shows just how beneficial organizing a union can be. Here are just some of the potential benefits of unionizing your workplace:

1. You can negotiate with the power of your full workforce
   • One of the main problems that workers have when negotiating with their employers for raises or benefits is that their employer has the bulk of the negotiating power. There is always the fear that asking for more could backfire, resulting in pay cuts, loss of benefits, or even getting fired. When you unionize, however, you negotiate with the power of your entire workplace behind you, meaning you have a lot more leverage to get what you want.
2. You can guarantee better pay and benefits
   • One of the major benefits of unionizing your workplace is the formation of a union contract. Like any other contract, both sides are legally bound by it, and must adhere to its terms. This means, once you have negotiated for better pay, better working conditions, or better benefits, you can guarantee it will be there, and will not be revoked at your employer’s whims.
3. You can protect against discrimination and abuse
   • Employers that discriminate against their employees often count on the fact that the employee is isolated to get away with it. After unionizing your workplace, though, you will have the full union at your back in the event that you suffer discrimination or other labor law violations. Your union can help defend you against retaliation, and help represent you if you wind up going to court over it.
4. You can protect against arbitrary dismissals
   • By default, most employees across the United States are considered at-will employees, meaning their employer can fire them whenever they choose. This can make it difficult to avoid being fired arbitrarily by your employer, even without a good reason behind it. However, unionizing your workplace will mean you will be protected by a union contract that prevents arbitrary dismissals, meaning your employer will need to justify firing you before they can terminate your employment.
5. You can bring your employer to court
   • Ultimately, the power of a union contract lies in the fact that it can be legally enforced. If you have unionized and your employer breaks the terms of your union contract, the union can haul them into court to enforce its terms. A non-compliant employer can be fined, or face other consequences for failing to adhere to the terms of a union contract.

If you have gotten into a legal dispute with your employer, it is important that you seek the guidance of an experienced New York employment lawyer who can protect your legal rights and advocate on your behalf. Steven Mitchell Sack, the Employee’s Lawyer, is a New York employment lawyer with more than 41 years’ experience handling the many aspects of employment law. To schedule an appointment with New York City employment lawyer Steven Mitchell Sack, call (917) 371-8000 or visit his contact page.