Workers who are protected by labor unions have the freedom to speak out about workplace safety dangers without fear of retaliation. Furthermore, because unions can pressure employers to address safety issues, firms are incentivized to address and prevent issues or risk large productivity losses.
Unions and Workplace Safety
A labor union is a group that serves as a liaison between its members and the employers. The primary objective of labor unions is to empower workers to bargain together for more favorable working conditions and other advantages. Below are some key factors on how unions can improve safety in the workplace for you to learn more.
Unions look after their members.
In Canada, labor unions file complaints with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, which is responsible for monitoring and enforcing workplace safety standards and investigating and fining businesses that violate them. Inspections are more common in unionized companies, and the possibility of unionization may encourage employers to enhance workplace safety. If you’re from the Alberta area, check out Teamsters987.com.
Unions help workers get the safest working environment
The ability to bargain collectively is one of the most significant advantages that unions enjoy. Workers may frequently believe that they do not have a voice or that if they speak up, they would not have much influence to effect positive change in their workplace.
Workers who join a union agree to bargain for their rights as a group in order to protect their interests. This provides them with far stronger bargaining power when negotiating for improved safety conditions and more fair work hours. Their ability to cover an entire group forces employers to come to a negotiated settlement.
A labor union’s work does not end with signing a collective bargaining agreement, as many people believe. After an agreement is reached, union leaders work with employees and management to ensure that the agreement’s conditions are followed on both sides of the bargaining table.
Unionized workers get better health benefits.
In March 2019, 95% of civilian unionized workers and 68% of non unionized workers had access to employer-provided healthcare benefits. Employees have access to the benefit regardless of whether they choose to enroll. 84% of unionized workers and 54% of non unionized workers participated in an employer-sponsored health plan. Union workers enrolled at an 88 percent rate, while non-union workers enrolled at a 79% rate.
Medical, dental, and vision services are included, as is coverage for outpatient prescription drugs. Medical care and outpatient prescription drug coverage were the most available healthcare benefits to union and non-union employees.
Around three-quarters of unionized employees had access to dental coverage, while more than half had access to vision coverage. 40% of non-union workers had access to dental benefits, while 23% had access to eye coverage.
Labor unions and businesses share common objectives. Companies aim to provide their customers with an excellent product or service. Unions strive to provide workers with the finest possible working conditions in order for them to prosper in their workplaces. By collaborating, unions can assure employee safety and productivity on an equal footing.