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The benefits of union membership: numerous and measurable
What
difference does it make to work in a union facility versus
a non-union facility? Can the differences be quantified and
measured?
The
evidence illustrates that unionized nurses earn more. They
also have better pension and health care benefits; better
sickness and accident benefits; contractual protections for
safety on the job; better job security; protections from discretionary
actions by the employer; and a powerful voice in their workplace.
Union members also have the ability to advocate for their
patients and for quality health care in a real and enforceable
manner. In fact, according to a study published in the Journal
of Nursing Administration (March 2002, vol. 2, No. 3), patients—specifically
patients suffering a heart attack—have better outcomes in
a union facility compared to a nonunion facility.
| Benefit |
Union |
Non-Union |
| Voice
in Patient Care |
Through the contract,
RNs can negotiate enforceable language on staffing levels,
mandatory overtime, floating and other issues that impact
directly on patient care and the quality of health care.
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In some facilities,
RNs may be afforded the opportunity to make suggestions
on some issues, that management is then free to ignore.
None of the nurse input is enforceable. |
| Wages,
benefits and working conditions |
These are negotiated.
All members have the opportunity to improve their working
conditions through contract negotiations at the bargaining
table. |
All are unilaterally
set by the employer. No avenue for employee input. Management
gives what it wants to. |
| Changes
in working conditions |
The negotiated
contract establishes all working conditions. These can
only be changed by negotiations between the parties |
Changes can be
made at any time, without warning, by the employer alone.
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 The
difference between unionized and non-unionized nurses is also
reflected in their pay scales. According to the U.S. Bureau
of Labor Statistics, the difference in median weekly earnings
for 2004 shows that there is a 27 percent wage advantage in
union facilities (all industries, public and private) over
non-union facilities. Furthermore, the union wage advantage
(all based on median weekly earnings) for women is 33 percent,
for African-Americans is 35 percent, for Latinos is 51 percent,
and 11 percent for Asian Americans.
It is clear that being unionized makes a world of difference,
in obvious and measurable ways. Furthermore, the benefits
of unionization extend well beyond those of simple self-interest.
The contract and the union make a difference in the lives
of its members, as well as a difference in the patients they
care for and serve.
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