FAQ
WHAT IS A UNION?
A group of employees who come together to negotiate with their employer over their wages, benefits, and working conditions. The employees are the union—they democratically elect leaders to oversee their union’s affairs and conduct negotiations with their employer. Unlike associations, employees in unions have the legal right to negotiate collectively with their employers.
What is a bargaining unit?
A group of employees with a community of interest (similar occupations, geographic location, duties, payment structure, review/rating system, etc.) that have union representation for the purpose of collective bargaining. A bargaining unit can include all the employees in a given office (i.e., wall-to-wall unit) or a set of occupations (e.g., professionals, clerical, technical, etc.).
WHAT IS COLLECTIVE BARGAINING?
Collective bargaining is the formal process employees in unions and their employers use to negotiate the terms and conditions of work—including wages, benefits, and working conditions. Similar to the contracts CEOs have that guarantee their pay, benefits, and other conditions of employment, the terms agreed upon during collective bargaining are solidified in a contract called the collective bargaining agreement. Collective bargaining agreements are commonly referred to as union contracts. Interesting enough, the United Nations views collective bargaining as a Human Right.
WHAT GOES INTO THE UNION CONTRACT?
Employees in unions and their employers can tailor the contract to the needs of their organization and its employees. A contract can include provisions such as improved wages, better benefits, greater work-life balance, professional development opportunities, protections that ensure fair and equal treatment, and other workplace improvements.
HOW CAN UNIONS COLLABORATE WITH EMPLOYERS?
NPEU members want their organizations to excel, which is why they have negotiated processes to collaborate with their managers to ensure better, productive workplaces.
How do most nonprofits react to union organizing?
At first, some nonprofit employers are less than enthusiastic about their staff forming a union, but many come to understand and appreciate the benefits of a democratic workplace where employees have a voice. We know that nonprofit organizations are stronger with a union and our managers agree.