Some may ask the question...Why do I need a Union? There are many answers to this question as there are many benefits to a Union, especially today! The first and easiest one to answer is At-Will Employment. Employees who are employed without the protection of a Union are classified as "At-Will" employees.

At-Will Employment Simply States: An employment relationship where there is no contractual obligation to remain in the relationship: either party may terminate the relationship at any time for any reason, as long as the reason is not prohibited by law, such as for discriminatory purposes.

Under a Union contract the terms and conditions are in black and white and many contracts have a "Just Cause" provision. Under a Just Cause provision the employer MUST have "Just Cause" to discipline, suspend, or discharge an employee who is covered by the provision in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The Union contract removes the employee from being an "At-Will "employee and provides many levels of protection.

Another easy answer to the question would be that a Union allows the employee to have a "VOICE" on the job. Without a Union present most employees are fearful of speaking their mind about their terms and conditions of employment. In a non-union environment it is real easy for the employer to silence the employee and make the employee fear voicing their opinion. The presence of a Union allows for the employees to collectively have their voices heard. You have a say in your terms and conditions of employment...you have a say in your wages and benefits...you have a say in the safety of your workplace. With this voice you can speak without fear!

This voice allows employees to collectively bargain for wages, benefits, and working conditions...it gives you a say in your place of employment!

Another example is a Grievance Procedure. The Grievance Procedure allows the employee to file a grievance if the employee feels that the contract and/or their rights had been violated. This, in itself, speaks loudly in the workplace. After all, the Constitution allows us to redress our grievances, so why should't our employers allow us the same.

These examples are just a few of the many benefits that your Teamsters dues gets you. To see other benefits such as discounts please vist www.teamster.org