Without a Union

As an “at-will” employee, you have the freedom to quit at any time, but it also means the company can terminate your employment at any moment, without any reason. Essentially, the company holds complete control over your job security.

Without a union, workers have no control over:

• Changes in wages

• Probationary periods

• Employment status (whether you’re permanent, regular, temporary, full-time, part-time, or casual)

• Promotions

• Work hours

• Reporting pay

• Vacation and holidays

• Sick leave

• Leave of absence (e.g., jury duty, funeral leave)

• Health insurance (medical, dental, vision)

• Work opportunities

• Discipline or termination

• Severance pay

• Pension

• Work schedules

Without a union, workers have little to no influence over their pay, benefits, or working conditions.

With a Union

A union provides balance through a collective bargaining agreement, also known as a union contract. You are no longer an “at-will” employee, meaning you cannot be fired without cause or without a valid reason.

With a union, you gain control and a voice in:

• Wages, benefits, and working conditions

• Representation in the workplace

• Job security and promotions

• Work hours, vacation, and sick leave policies

• Health insurance and pensions

• Work schedules and discipline processes

• Grievance procedures if the company violates your contract

• Representation for Workers’ Compensation and unemployment claims

• Safety issues

If the company violates labor laws, the union can file “unfair labor practice” charges on your behalf. The union empowers workers to stand together, ensuring fair treatment and a safer, more equitable workplace.

To understand the roots of “Longshoremen,” we look to the origins of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). This began in colonial America, when ships arriving from the Old World were met with calls for “Men ‘long shore!” These longshoremen, who usually had other full-time jobs, volunteered to unload the much-needed supplies without pay.

As America’s economy grew, longshoremen were drawn to the shores, now earning extra money by handling valuable cargo. Over time, the profession became vital to the nation’s bustling ports. Today, longshoremen continue to play a crucial role, empowered by the union to protect their rights and livelihoods.