The Union Difference
Life is better in a union. The numbers tell the story: Union members make more money, have more reliable health care coverage and retire with financial security. Because we stand together, we have the power to negotiate for the wages and benefits we have earned. But being in a union is about more than just pay and benefits. It’s about respect for the work we do. It’s about being safe and protected on the job. It’s about having the resources and training to do our jobs well. And it’s about always having someone to turn to if something’s not right.
"during this pandemic we have ppe to continue this job."
Sirlentor Berry childcare worker
THE FACTS
Because union members sit down with management to negotiate our contracts, and because we stand together, we almost universally make more money and have better benefits.
Union members make
19.4% more
than non-union members.
Among minorities, the difference is even more stark because union membership reduces the wage gap.
Union women make
23.8% more
than non-union women.
African-Americans in unions make
than those not in unions.
26.0% more
Hispanic Americans make
39.2% more
than those who aren’t unionized.
non-union
non-union
non-union
union
union
union
23.8% more
26.0% more
39.2% more
$
$
$
Women
African-Americans
Hispanic Americans
$
$
$
It's not just basic health care – union members have better access to supplemental benefits, too.
96%
69%
of union members have access to a health care plan
of non-union members have access to a health care plan
non-union
non-union
non-union
union
union
union
74%
Access to Vision Benefits
Access to Dental Benefits
Access to Prescription Benefits
50%
93%
67%
24%
56%
94%
of union members have access to retirement benefits
67%
of non-union members have access to retirement benefits
“I am so happy that we have a voice with management.”
assistant attorney general
“I have access to tools to improve my future.”
grant analyst
"Forming a union is going to give us the stability we need."
medical assistant
“I have the support and solidarity of a great group of people.”
probation counselor
“A union is essential – particularly in staffing levels.”
paramedic
"We put our foot down and so far we have been successful."
vocational rehabilitation technician
Ashley Nares
Erika Yalowitz
Stephanie Parker
Gail Yu
Keith Lowry
Ketha Otis
"That's the one thing i think about a lot too, is that equality."
Philadelphia Zoo, lead zookeeper
TONI Flowers
Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
