Collective bargaining allows working people to join together to push for fair treatment from employers. How does collective bargaining benefit workers? The process can increase wages, improve health insurance coverage, and improve workplace safety.
You can learn more about collective bargaining with a Boston labor and employment lawyer from our team at Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard. You can call or fill out our online contact form to get answers to your questions.
What Is Collective Bargaining?
It’s essential to understand the definition of collective bargaining before we discuss the benefits of this practice.
The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFI-CIO) defines collective bargaining as a process that allows working people to negotiate contracts governing employment terms, including issues related to:
- Pay and benefits
- Hours and leave
- Work-life balance
- Health and safety policies
Typically, workers engage in collective bargaining through unions.
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What Are the Benefits of Collective Bargaining for Workers?
Collective bargaining benefits workers in several significant ways. This process can:
Increase Wages
Workers who have a collective bargaining contract earn around 13.6% more than other employees. This percentage factors in characteristics like age and a worker’s educational level.
These changes impact low-wage workers the most, reducing wage inequality. However, middle-wage and white-collar workers still benefit from the collective bargaining process.
Minimize the Effects of Discrimination
Collective bargaining often helps reduce wage gaps associated with race or ethnicity. Asian, Hispanic, Black, and immigrant workers typically see increased benefits and wages through this process.
Improve Insurance Coverage
Workers who unionize and engage in collective bargaining are much more likely (28.2%) to have health insurance provided by their employers, improving their health and quality of life.
Increase Access to Pensions
Workers who engage in collective bargaining are more than twice as likely to receive pensions from their employers. They also typically have increased paid time off provided through their jobs.
Improve Safety in the Workplace
Collective bargaining allows workers to band together to push for safer working conditions, decreasing the risk of workplace injuries for many people.
Who Benefits the Most from Collective Bargaining?
The process of collective bargaining can benefit all workers. However, declines in union membership and reductions in collective bargaining have impacted men earning middle wages more than other groups.
Experts estimate that union decline contributes to around 75% of the expanding wage gap seen between men in white-collar and blue-collar jobs.
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Who Can Engage in Collective Bargaining?
The National Labor Relations Act and international human rights conventions protect the right of employees to engage in collective bargaining through unions.
Around 75% of workers in the private sector in the U.S. could engage in collective bargaining. Public employees also have a chance to take part in collective bargaining in some cases, with about 66% of these employees having this right.
You can reach out to union representatives to learn more about your eligibility to partake in the collective bargaining process.
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Do Employers Have to Follow Collective Bargaining Agreements?
Employers have a legal obligation to follow the terms of collective bargaining agreements. However, many employers try to push back against employee protections, especially during negotiations with unions.
Some employers also disobey the requirements of agreements they accepted. They may deny employee wages and engage in other restricted activities. Sometimes, they fire employees who report their wrongful actions.
Employers who engage in retaliation are committing illegal acts. A Boston wrongful termination lawyer can help if you’re going through this situation. You should also speak with your union representative immediately.
How Long Will a Collective Bargaining Agreement Last?
The length of a collective bargaining agreement can vary. Many last three to five years before they come up for renegotiation. However, the specific period covered by the agreement depends on the joint decision of the union and employer.
Collective bargaining agreements require consistent work overtime to maintain. During negotiations, employees can push for increased protections. Generally, the agreement terms cannot change outside of renegotiation periods.
How Can You Participate in Collective Bargaining?
You can participate in collective bargaining if you’re part of a union. Typically, the union selects a few members to directly handle negotiations based on union-specific rules.
You may or may not end up on the negotiation committee. Regardless, union members typically have a chance to ask questions and share their opinions on agreements in a ratification meeting.
Generally, union members vote on any prospective agreements, often through a secret ballot. Member votes determine if the union will accept or reject the offer.
Learn More About the Benefits of Collective Bargaining for Workers
How does collective bargaining benefit workers? This process can improve wages, workplace safety, and benefits. It reduces the wage gap and gives workers a safety net for unfair practices carried out by employers.
You can learn more about this process and your options when employers ignore a legally binding agreement with our team at Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard. Call or complete our online contact form to get started.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form