COMPARISON OF UNIONIZED & NON-UNIONIZED WORKPLACES Assignment Baanuja Sivakumaran Student Name: Date: October 24, 2011

Unionized Workplaces are. Workplaces where every worker who is covered by the collective agreement must become and remain a member of the union. New workers dont necessarily be union members to be hired, but must join the union after a certain period of employment. /2 Advantages: Usually better benefits Better wages Increased job security Joint Health and Safety Committees Union shop stewards and representatives are there to support individual workers who have been treated unfairly Gives strength in terms of the number of people belonging to the union Disadvantages: Pay union fees/dues Must follow contract negotiated by union. Rare promotions Labour union may choose to strike, if so then the companys production slows down which means less profit. Labour unions first priority are the workers belonging to the union; therefore the union cares more about the members and disregard others. /4

/4 Non-Unionized Workplaces are Workplaces in which workers do not have a collective bargaining agreement in place with management governing the terms and conditions of their employment. Management in these workplaces generally have more leeway in hiring, firing and disciplining the workplaces. The employers make all the rules, sets wages, and make most the decisions. Advantages: Ask for other benefits Negotiate for a higher wage Individualism No strikes Fewer legalities More cooperative workplace Flexibility

/2 Disadvantages: Company make key decisions affecting employees without soliciting employees opinions. Less job security Minimum amount of information about the companys economic state, or goals Changes in procedures and policies without advance notice /4 /4

Greater Tor ont o Area Coopera tive Educ ation 2003

RR2.15

Conclusions: Even though there are pros and cons both ways unionized or non-unionized, it is very important to know whether your going to belong to a unionized workplace or a non-unionized workplace. I personally will belong to a non-unionized workplace because as the employee I will have a heavier voice in my work. I will be able to negotiate wages and other benefits. I also hate strikes, so if I belonged to a unionized workplace, I might need to join in on a strike in which I dont have the choice to choose whether or not strike. As a non-unionized employee I will be able to make my own choices rather just be a follower. /5 Knowledge/Understanding: /25

Source: Labour Unions in the Workplace, 1994

Greater Tor ont o Area Coopera tive Educ ation 2003

RR2.15