Resources

What is a Union?
Labor unions are made up of working people working together to solve problems, build stronger workplaces and give working families a real voice. Unions give workers a voice on the job about safety, security, pay, benefits—and about the best ways to get the work done. Union workers earn 30 percent more each week than nonunion workers and are much more likely to have health and pension benefits. Unions give working people a voice in government. They represent working families before lawmakers, and make sure politicians never forget that working families voted them into office.

Union Workers Have Better Health Care and Pensions
Union workers are more likely than their nonunion counterparts to receive health care and pension benefits, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. In March 2006, 80 percent of union workers in the private sector had jobs with employer-provided health insurance, compared with only 49 percent of nonunion workers. Union workers also are more likely to have retirement and short-term disability benefits. More than 80 percent of union workers are covered by pension plans versus 47 percent of nonunion workers. Sixty-eight percent of union workers have defined-benefit pension plans, compared with 14 percent of nonunion workers. Defined-benefit plans are federally insured and provide a guaranteed monthly pension amount.

To learn more about how Unions help you and your family go to www.aflcio.org.