Talk to any colleague in the field and they’ll likely have a strong opinion on unions – either in favor of or against them. Both sides have valid pros and cons, and there’s a lot to consider prior to joining a union. While they can provide some benefits to electricians, there can also be drawbacks to joining a labor union. Because feelings on both sides are strong, it can be tough to gain an impartial viewpoint to help you think over your decision to join a union or not. Consider these pros and cons as you mull over your choices.

Financial Aspects of Joining a Union

Unions are empowered with the ability to negotiate for things that benefit their electricians. Everything from better benefits to higher wages to more comfortable working conditions are under the jurisdiction of unions. The ultimate goal is to ensure all workers get a fair living wage, adequate health coverage, and a safe working environment.

The drawback is that union negotiations can become an unreasonable burden for a company to sustain. If the company cannot pay the wages or provide the benefits required by the union, they may outsource the labor to cheaper, non-union workers, it can pass the cost onto clients and it can place a hiring freeze, possibly causing a shortage in those needed to perform vital tasks.

Union negotiations can lead to a hostile, heated work environment, dissatisfied employees (both union and non-union) and possible loss of work both temporarily and long-term.

Most unions charge dues and fees from members, which you’ll have to pay into. On the other hand, union dues and fees can go toward offsetting the cost of higher wages negotiated by the union.

Tenure and Job Security

Companies typically dislike unions because they feel it makes it more difficult to discipline or terminate bad employees. The protections provided by unions may also make it more difficult to promote outstanding electricians within the company. Business owners argue that union membership is often less about skill, knowledge and competency and more about seniority and who you know. Some businesses go as far as to consider unions complicit in cronyism because they have the ultimate say in who joins and who doesn’t. When unions go on strike, non-union company workers are still able to work in whatever capacity they maintain and thus continue bringing in a paycheck.

Unionized employees, however, are guaranteed advocacy in a workplace setting. The union sets the disciplinary actions, up to and including what constitutes grounds for termination. As a member of the union, it’s recognized and understood that you’re skilled and competent enough to be a full member - you’re up to standard. However, if your union goes on strike you may find yourself without pay or “permanently replaced” by the company you work for.

Social and Political Status

Because there are relatively few people in the electrical and construction industry who feel lukewarm about unions, joining a union is a very politicized decision. You may find your social status among your co-workers changes if you decide to join a union.

While unions give those in them a collective voice and the power that comes with that, it can cause tension or even outright hostility in some work environments. Employers and businesses must negotiate with unions to maintain productivity and a steady workflow, and this is precisely the reason many businesses dread or loathe dealing with unions and unionized electricians.

The ability to strike when wages or benefits are deemed too low, or unsafe work conditions are present, is one exercised when negotiations fail. This is seen as a political statement to many, and it isn’t often met with public approval or company favor. Unionized workers on strike may be seen as self-serving or entitled, especially if they’re already compensated or treated better than non-union workers doing the same job.

To Join a Union or Not?

Ultimately joining a union is a personal decision not to be entered into lightly. If you’re looking for solidarity with other electricians or are working for a company that doesn’t seem too keen on worker protections or paying a living wage, it may behoove you to consider joining a union. If you’d rather not rock the boat, are already guaranteed a fair wage and decent benefits and have lucked out in finding work with an ethical company, joining a union may never cross your mind as something you want or need to do.

What’s your opinion on unions?

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