The rights and benefits available to union employees are diverse and vast, but one thing a majority of union jobs have in common is a level of security. Such security is appealing to anyone desiring stable employment, especially when it enables us to provide not only for ourselves but for our families as well. When compared to the rest of the country, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2018, the state of New York accounted for one of the largest numbers of union members, with nearly 2 million members statewide. On top of that, another 155,000 hourly and salaried employees were associated with unions, whether they were covered by their main day job or represented through a contract, even if they were not union members themselves.
Benefits to Which You May be Entitled
Considering the union culture’s wide scope of influence, it is helpful for anyone applying for a union job or existing members to familiarize themselves with the various benefits they can expect to receive as an employee.
Some key benefits members may be entitled to include:
- Paid family leave – Since January 2018, Paid Family Leave is offered to all private-sector union employees, and to any public-sector union employees who are offered this feature by their employer. This is great news for those needing to take time to care for an ill family member or those who need to make themselves available to help loved ones while a family member is deployed for active military service. This benefit also provides new parents the chance to bond with their newborn, fostered, or adopted child.
- Access to medical care – Along with Paid Family Leave, access to medical care is one of the most advantageous, sought-after benefits of a union job. According to The Economics Daily from the U.S. Department of Labor, 94 percent of union workers in the year 2017 had access to medical care benefits, which were available to both part-time and full-time employees. If a reliable, reasonably priced health insurance policy is a necessity, as it is for most everyone, then you can rest assured knowing you will have access to such policies when working for a union.
- Life insurance and disability insurance – Both life and disability insurance is typically offered through an employee’s union. Life insurance policies are important tools that allow us to plan and prepare for our family’s needs and funeral expenses in the event we are no longer around to take care of things. The law prohibits a union from purchasing life insurance on its members without the members’ knowledge and consent, so be sure to discuss this, as well as your medical care policies, in depth with your employer, and consult with an attorney before signing any relevant documents.
Contact a New York City Civil Service Job Defense Lawyer
In addition to getting a glimpse of benefits that may be available to you through your New York union job, it is also important to know your rights as a union worker. Arming yourself with this knowledge can be especially helpful in the unfortunate event that you do not receive the benefits promised to you or are falsely accused of workplace misconduct, which can lead to interference with those benefits. If you have experienced an incident that has caused you concern about your rights as a union member, speak with a Manhattan civil service job defense attorney right away, who can advise and assist you with your case. Call JOEY JACKSON LAW, PLLC at 1-833-JOEYJACKSON or 1-833-563-9522 today to schedule a consultation.
Sources:
https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2017/94-percent-of-union-workers-had-access-to-medical-care-benefits-in-march-2017.htm
https://www.ny.gov/sites/ny.gov/files/atoms/files/PFL-Union-fs-1-v2_1-18_FINAL.pdf
https://ocfs.ny.gov/main/employment/benefits.php
https://www.bls.gov/regions/new-york-new-jersey/news-release/unionmembership_newyork_newjersey.htm