Being in a union has many benefits, including enhanced levels of job security and, generally, higher wages because they are negotiated for in a collective bargaining agreement. Unions can also shape the work environment, fight to improve workplace conditions, and bargain for “fringe” benefits like pension plans, dental plans, healthcare, etc. While union members are entitled to the same types of workers’ compensation benefits as non-union workers, their higher earnings may significantly increase their rate of Temporary Total Disability benefits (TTD) and Permanent Disability benefits (Permanent Total Disability or Permanent Partial Disability)) because such benefits are based on a percentage of the claimant’s pre-injury average weekly wage (AWW).
What is a Union?
A union is formed by workers who join to amplify their voices in the workplace. Union members can negotiate with employers on issues such as wages and benefits. Additionally, unions try to ensure that workers are treated fairly and respectfully. Typically, unions elect their leaders to ensure they represent workers’ rights.
Wage Differences
Union and non-union workers in Kentucky may notice a wage difference. This wage disparity is even more noticeable for women. Here are some key points highlighting these differences:
- On average, union members earn 26.2% more than non-union workers.
- Women represented by unions earn between 29.7% and 33.1% more than their non-union counterparts.
Compensation for lost wages will vary depending on your salary. If you have a higher salary, you will likely receive higher compensation while you recover.
Benefits Comparison
In addition to higher wages, union workers may have access to different fringe benefits.
- 95% of union members have health insurance. For non-union workers, the figure is approximately 68%
- 95% of union members have access to a pension plan, versus about 63% of non-union workers.
Job Security
Most non-union workers in Kentucky are considered “at will” employees and have very little job security. Indeed, an employer can fire an “at will” employee for basically any reason they choose, so long as it not based on their being part of a protected class (i.e. gender, race, etc.). While there is a law in the workers’ compensation Act that prohibits “retaliatory discharge” (firing an employee in retaliation for claiming a work-related injury), non-union employees do not really have a “right” to their job. Under a collective bargaining agreement, union members have more job security. The steps necessary for the Employer to terminate a union member are usually set out in the collective bargaining agreement and require things like a first warning, second warning, written warning, etc. Further, union members have the right to file a grievance to fight to get their jobs back through the union if they are fired without justification.
There are significant advantages for union workers and the higher wages may result in a larger recovery when injured at work. This, in addition to the other benefits set forth above, are advantages union workers enjoy.
