Naomi Soldon – Marketer

Union Benefits for Labor Unions: What You Need to Know

Are you a member of a labor union? If so, congratulations! As a member of a labor union, you are eligible to receive benefits. These benefits may be monetary, but they are also benefits that strengthen your union. Monetary benefits may be in the form of dues payments or other forms of money that you directly receive as a result of joining a labor union.

Here, experienced labor law attorney, Naomi Soldon, will share some other benefits that you as a member of a labor union will most likely receive.

Protection against job discrimination
Sometimes you will be hired on the job by a company that doesn't want you there. In those cases, you may be able to seek protection against job discrimination in court. Naomi Soldon shares that a labor union can help with this by putting a hiring freeze on the job listings of people who are not members. This way, the company has a chance to look for people without a union on their resumes. In some cases, this may be enough to avoid having to hire people and compensate them for their time.

Access to company benefits
Some companies provide a certain level of benefits to all employees, but some don't. A union might be able to get you benefits that you don't currently have access to, or that you were previously denied. Naomi Soldon indicates that benefits might include paid sick days, parental leave, or full retirement coverage.

Up-to-date job and career information
Your union probably has a database of current job openings, upcoming training programs, and upcoming industry events. Naomi Soldon shares that this way, members can stay informed of what is happening in their field and keep their job searches updated.

Job security and protection against losing your job
Your union might have a job security program in which members who are not successful in their careers are able to file a grievance if they believe that they have been laid off or penalized for something unrelated to their job. Naomi Soldon shares that this type of protection gives members peace of mind and reassurance that they are not in a vulnerable position and that they have protections in place to protect their job.

Company-paid training and education
Some unions provide members with company-paid training and education. This may include training that prepares members for specific jobs or certifications that allow them to work in a specific industry.

Company-paid travel
Travel is a huge benefit that you as a member of a union probably take for granted. Your union may have members who travel a lot, or who are assigned to travel in specific industries. If you are a member of a union that specializes in travel benefits, you may be in luck.

Conclusion
Naomi Soldon, who has been working for over 20 years in labor law, shares that the benefits that you as a member of a union receive go way beyond monetary compensation. These benefits strengthen your union and make you a stronger member. Whether you are a part of a labor union or a non-union organization, it is important to know about these benefits so that you can benefit from them when you are a member of a labor union.

Naomi E Soldon: Labor Unions in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is one of only four states that fully recognize and regulate the labor movement. However, decades of industrial strife, financial crisis, and public-union backlash have made labor unions in the Badger State a marginal presence. The result? A state with some of the lowest wages and highest unionization rates in the country.

But even though Wisconsin is an outlier in terms of its treatment of organized labor, it’s not all bad news for Wisconsin unions. For several reasons, joining a union can be an important step for new employees — especially if you’re joining a small business that doesn’t already have a unionized workforce.

Here, Naomi Soldon, an attorney with an extensive experience in labor and employment law, will share some things you should know about becoming a part of a Wisconsin union.

What is a Wisconsin Union?
A union officially recognized by the state is known as a “Wisconsin union”. Naomi Soldon shares that, under state law, all public, government-employee, and private-sector employees in Wisconsin are covered by a labor union. These include school employees, those paid through the state’s school-district or independent-school district, and state and local government employees. The union can also negotiate on behalf of collective-bargaining groups.

How to Join a Union in Wisconsin
Naomi Soldon indicates that becoming a member of a Wisconsin labor union is different from joining a union in other ways. Be aware that you don’t automatically become a member of the union — you must join by applying for membership and paying a joining fee. Also, you can’t just walk into a local office and ask for a card. You have to apply in person and pay the fee in cash or by credit card.

The Different Types of Unionization in Wisconsin
Here Naomi Soldon shares the different types of unionization in Wisconsin:

Traditional Unionization: This forms the basis for most state and local unions. It’s based on the idea that workers should have the right to representation by a union of their choice.

Secret-Ballot Unionization: This is a newer form of unionization that’s used primarily in the private sector. It requires employees to show up for work and negotiate a contract on their own.

Severance: This is a special form of unionization that’s meant to be used in cases where a company lays off a large portion of its workforce. It’s based on a worker’s voluntarily giving up some of their job benefits in exchange for a set amount of money.

What You Can and Can’t Do as a Member of a Union in Wisconsin
Naomi Soldon points out that you can’t become a member of a union while you’re still employed by a private employer.

However, you can join a union after you’ve begun your employment with a government, corporate, or school establishment. You’re also allowed to join a union while you’re unemployed. However, it’s important to remember that you have the right to remain silent during a union negotiation if you don’t feel you have to answer any questions.

Benefits of Becoming a Member of a Wisconsin Union
“If you work for a private employer, becoming a member of a Wisconsin union could benefit you in several ways,” says attorney Naomi Soldon.

First, a union contract could expand your benefits by adding things like pension and healthcare coverage. Second, the fact that you’re a member of a union could improve your job prospects. Many companies have stopped offering health benefits to new hires, and now only offer limited plans that don’t cover much. Naomi Soldon suggests finding a union representative if you have questions about your rights and your position in the workplace.

Bottom line
Becoming a member of a Wisconsin union could benefit you in several ways.

If you have questions about your rights and your position in the workplace, you can contact the experienced attorney Naomi Soldon. She is a skilled labor and employment law attorney, who provides representation for labor-management jointly trusted health and pension funds.