Collective bargaining is when a group of workers join together to negotiate with their employer. The idea is that there is more power with numbers than if you were to try to negotiate individually. The negotiations can be about pay raises, working conditions, or even the schedule.
Most of the time collective bargaining is done by a union. This is the primary reason that unions are formed and why so many business owners are opposed to it. The first step is learning how to start a union and then trying to get the business owners to the negotiating table. In this article, we will go over several of the benefits of collective bargaining.
1 – Better working conditions
When the working conditions are not safe or there is poor organization, collective bargaining is the best way to make significant improvements. This process can result in agreements that include measures for better safety standards, healthier work environments, and policies that address worker well-being.
For instance, in the manufacturing sector, workers used collective bargaining to address concerns about long hours and unsafe machinery. As a result, they succeeded in shorter shifts and new equipment that reduced the risk of accidents. These changes not only made the workplace safer but also increased job satisfaction.
Even jobs that are not blue collar can be helped by collective bargaining. White collar jobs such as those in the tech industry can also benefit. Collective bargaining could earn workers the right to more flexible working hours and the option to work from home several days a week.
2 – Better wages
The most common thing that unions will bargain for is better wages for their members. The collective bargaining process helps ensure that workers are paid what they deserve for their labor and skills.
Statistics have shown that workers who are part of a group that bargains collectively often earn higher wages than those who don’t. They also tend to have better benefits. Those workers also tend to have better health insurance and retirement packages.
The knock on effects of getting paid more can be wide ranging. Workers can then save for the future, send kids to college, or buy a home. It also helps mental health since stress about finances is lowered. It isn’t just about the money as stability and the opportunities that come with it add to quality of life.
3 – Better economy
Collective bargaining doesn’t just help individual workers and their families as it also has positive effects on the economy as a whole. When large groups of people have more money then this will help the economy grow.
People making more money will spend more money and this goes right into the economy. This increased spending helps businesses grow and can lead to the creation of new jobs.
People will renovate their homes which gives construction workers more work and then they have more money. It’s a positive cycle that keeps the economy growing and healthy.
