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12. Are all building trades workers represented by AFL-CIO affiliated labor unions?
No. Over the last 10 years, non-union contractors have taken over many areas of the construction industry. Non-union contractors are also referred to as "open shops", or "merit shops".
By spending little or no money on employee training, and paying relatively low wages and benefits, non-union contractors can usually out bid their union counterparts.
Much of today's residential housing construction is built with non-union labor.
13. What are some of the main differences between working for a union contractor as opposed to a non-union contractor?
Generally speaking, it is to the worker's advantage to work for a signatory contractor, that is, a union contractor, for the following reasons:
WAGES: Union workers generally earn much more in wages and benefits that their non-union counterparts.
Union wages are established by collective bargaining and guaranteed by a contract. A contractor, who is a signatory to that contract, cannot pay his workers less than the wage agreed upon. A union worker cannot agree to work for less than the current union scale. This is to prevent workers from "undercutting" their co-workers wages so as to obtain special favors, such as more work hours or steady employment.
Both the union member and contractor are obligated to the terms of their contract. Union members and/or contractors who violate the union contract are subject to penalties, or other forms of disciplinary action. Contract violations are taken seriously by both union members and their representatives.
By contrast, non-union wage rates are often arbitrarily established and negotiated on an individual basis with each employee. Some non-union contractors pay their workers by the "piece work" method. For example, a drywall applicator might be paid a set price for each 4'x8' sheet that he installs, in lieu of an hourly wage.
No. Over the last 10 years, non-union contractors have taken over many areas of the construction industry. Non-union contractors are also referred to as "open shops", or "merit shops".
By spending little or no money on employee training, and paying relatively low wages and benefits, non-union contractors can usually out bid their union counterparts.
Much of today's residential housing construction is built with non-union labor.
13. What are some of the main differences between working for a union contractor as opposed to a non-union contractor?
Generally speaking, it is to the worker's advantage to work for a signatory contractor, that is, a union contractor, for the following reasons:
WAGES: Union workers generally earn much more in wages and benefits that their non-union counterparts.
Union wages are established by collective bargaining and guaranteed by a contract. A contractor, who is a signatory to that contract, cannot pay his workers less than the wage agreed upon. A union worker cannot agree to work for less than the current union scale. This is to prevent workers from "undercutting" their co-workers wages so as to obtain special favors, such as more work hours or steady employment.
Both the union member and contractor are obligated to the terms of their contract. Union members and/or contractors who violate the union contract are subject to penalties, or other forms of disciplinary action. Contract violations are taken seriously by both union members and their representatives.
By contrast, non-union wage rates are often arbitrarily established and negotiated on an individual basis with each employee. Some non-union contractors pay their workers by the "piece work" method. For example, a drywall applicator might be paid a set price for each 4'x8' sheet that he installs, in lieu of an hourly wage.
- FRINGE BENEFITS: Here again union workers are usually far ahead of their non-union counterparts in terms of health, welfare and other fringe benefits.
- Health Insurance
- Extended health insurance during periods of unemployment
- Tax deferred, employer funded retirement plans
- TRAINING: Many craft unions maintain their own training facilities whereby any union member can upgrade his skills and keep abreast of the latest technologies in the trade.
All Rights Reserved, 2010.Trade-Tek Publishing of California
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