william s. rakonczay precision machine technology instructor
TRANSCRIPT
William S. Rakonczay
Precision Machine Technology Instructor
Long ago we stated the reason for labor organizations. We said that union was essential to give laborers opportunity to deal on an equality with their employers.
–US Supreme Court
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1. What is a union?
a. An American actress b. an organization of workers who have banded together, often for the
purpose of getting better working conditions or pay c. a rock band
2. What are the advantages of joining a union?
a. a larger group of the same people have more power than a smaller group b. you get to call in sick more c. you can retire sooner 3. What trades/professions are represented by unions?
a. lawyers b. teachers c. doctors
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Main Entry: labor union
Function: noun
Date: 1866
an organization of workers formed for the purpose of advancing its members' interests in respect to wages, benefits, and working conditions
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Established in 1935Guarantees non-supervisory
employees the rights to:Organize a unionChoose their own
representativesBargain collectively for
improved working conditions
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A binding contractHigher wagesBetter benefitsGreater job security
Health and safetyGrievance proceduresSpecial member
services
William S. Rakonczay PMT Instructor
A unionIs a democratic organization of
member workersProvides strength in numbersProvides worker representationNegotiates a contract (collective
bargaining agreement)Approves a contract through the vote
of its members
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Pay periodic duesElect a slate of officersVote on contractsSolidarity
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Wage advantage – 30% higher wagesHealthcare advantage – 63% greater coveragePension advantage – 386% greater coverageDisability benefits advantage – 77% greater
coveragePaid-time-off advantage – 28% more paid days
off
**US Dept. of Labor – Bureau of Labor Statistics 2006**
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Common union complaints includeCost of dues (most common)Improper or poor representationLack of incentives to membership
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Depends upon the relationship detailed in the collective bargaining agreementOpen shop – no need to join or pay duesAgency shop – no need to join, but you will
have to pay the same dues as membersClosed shop – membership is required as is
payment of dues
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ActorsAirline PilotsMusiciansCivil Service
EmployeesTeachersPostal workersBakers/
confectioners
Fire FightersElectrical
WorkersPaintersEngineersBricklayersPoliceNursesAuto workers
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Sheetmetal workersWritersMine workersElevator constructorsRailroad workersCorrections officersCommunications
workersAnd many, many
more!!
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1.What is a union?
a. An American actress b. an organization of workers who have banded together,
often for the purpose of getting better working conditions or pay c. a rock band
2. What are the advantages of joining a union?
a. a larger group of the same people have more power than a smaller group
b. you get to call in sick more c. you can retire sooner 3. What trades/professions are represented by unions?
a. lawyers b. teachers c. doctors
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Questions?
Assignment:
Working in groups of three, answer the questions on the handout. One member should be prepared to stand and present to the class the answers to each of these questions.