Why does IDT need a union? IDT is a great place to work. We have an accepting atmosphere, decent benefits, and good work life balance. Some might wonder what the purpose of a union is in this case, or if it’s even worth the effort.
A union's primary purpose is to give employees a say in the workplace. This covers everything from wages, grievances, disciplinary procedures, and everything in between. Without a union contract, almost all of us at IDT are “At-Will” employees. This puts all the power in the hands of management to decide how we deserve to be treated and compensated for our hard work. When the conversation is that one sided, it makes sense that the company deals the cards in its own favor and without a union, we just have to take it. |
We have to take:
According to the US Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics, employees who work in unionized workplaces make on average 17% MORE than peers without a union. Unions also provide job security, a grievance procedure in the case of a dispute between an employee and management, and allow workers to demand respect be given and input taken by the company.
Voting in favor of the union doesn't commit you to joining. Workers can sit back, see what the union can negotiate, and then decide if becoming a member is worth it to them.
Together, we have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
- Cole Eckhardt, Lab Tech II, CBS ULT
- Lab technician starting wages that are, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 30% below the national average of $26.46/hr and 25% below the state average while raises have been significantly below inflation,
- Inconsistent and/or arbitrary enforcement of disciplinary procedure with little hope for a fair appeal, and
- New, strict attendance policies and a "value stream" model of production that serves only as a guise for increased automation of production, and policies meant to grind workers down and give the employer just cause for firing in order to avoid paying out severance.
According to the US Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics, employees who work in unionized workplaces make on average 17% MORE than peers without a union. Unions also provide job security, a grievance procedure in the case of a dispute between an employee and management, and allow workers to demand respect be given and input taken by the company.
Voting in favor of the union doesn't commit you to joining. Workers can sit back, see what the union can negotiate, and then decide if becoming a member is worth it to them.
Together, we have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
- Cole Eckhardt, Lab Tech II, CBS ULT