Having a Union Makes a Difference
/Wages: On average, union members earn about 20% more in wages than non-union workers.
Health benefits: Union members are more likely to receive quality and affordable health benefits from their employers.
Retirement security: Union members are far more likely than other workers to have a guaranteed pension.
Other benefits on the job: Union members also have more vacation days, more paid leave, and greater job security.
A voice at work: Union members get to negotiate with management—as equals—over wages, benefits, and other issues.
Representation: As a union member, you have the right to union representation during an investigation that could lead to discipline.
Fair treatment: The “just cause” provision in your union contract means that management must apply discipline in a fair and consistent manner.
Your contract: Your wages, benefits, and working conditions are spelled out in writing in a legally-binding union contract, which is bargained for and voted on by union members.
Your right to union representation
If you’re called into a meeting that you think could lead to discipline, stop! Ask for union representation. You have a right not to be alone.
“I request a union representative during this meeting. If you accuse me or ask me questions I believe may lead to my discipline, I have a right not to answer those questions and will continue to ask for a union representative until you comply with my request.”
Ask your steward or your Union Representative.
Visit ufcw21.org
Benefits Department:
Call 1-800-732-1188, enter 2.
Questions about union dues: Call 1-800-732-1188 and ask for Membership Services.
Other questions: call the Union office at 1-800-732-1188.
More from the Summer 2015 Newsletter
Read the Summer 2015 Newsletter
On the front cover:
Summer fun at the UFCW 21 picnics. Everyone had a great time at the picnics this summer in Seattle, Bremerton and Spokane with many games, prizes, good food and family fun.