According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, union workers earn 34 percent more in wages compared to non-union workers. Union workers also have better health care, pension plans and other benefits. And then, of course, there is the grievance procedure, seniority rights, and a greater sense of security and dignity on the job.

Working people in all walks of life join together in unions to gain a voice at work. Union members have a say about pay, benefits, working conditions and how their jobs get done-and having them say gives the a "union advantage."

If you do not have a union at your job, find out more about how to form one. Today, more people are taking the step to form unions on the job than at any time in recent history. You can be one of them! How do you get started?

Know Your Rights

It is hereby declared to be the policy of the United States to…encourage the practice and procedure of collective bargaining and (to) protect…the exercise by workers of full freedom of association, self-organization and designation of representatives of their own choosing, for the purpose of negotiating the terms and conditions of their employment or other mutual aid or protection.
--National Labor Relations Act

Federal and state laws guarantee the right to form unions! Eligible employees have the right to express their views on Unions, to talk with their co-workers about their interest In forming a union, to wear union buttons, to attend union meetings and in many other ways to exercise their constitutional rights to freedom of speech and freedom of association.

Despite these laws, many employers strongly resist their employees' efforts to gain a voice at work through unionization. So, before you start talking union where you work, get in touch with a union that will help you organize.

Find Out Which Union is Right for You

To form a union on the job, you need the backup and hands-on help from the union you are seeking to join. If you don't already know which union is most able to help you, find out unions affiliated with the Quad City Federation of Labor by visiting their websites or call their local officers. If you need help finding a union's number, contact us.

Union members represent a cross section of people-women and men of all ages, races and ethnic groups. They work in hospitals and nursing homes, schools, auto assembly plants and on construction sites, trains, buses and airplanes. They are security guards, musicians, electricians, high-tech workers, postal workers, letter carriers, janitors and more.

For directions on how to find a union call the Quad City Federation of Labor at (309) 788-1303.