I can’t lose in collective bargaining, right?
The Big Gamble
One of the standard promises of union organizers is better pay and benefits. They try to convince a group of employees that no matter what they have now, it will only get better if they “gang up together” and bargain as one large group. Unfortunately for the employees, that’s not how collective bargaining works. Here’s what the National Labor Relations Board says: “There is, of course, no obligation on the part of an employer to contract to continue all existing benefits, nor is it an unfair labor practice to offer reduced benefits.” MIDWEST INSTRUMENTS, 133 NLRB. NO 115
In other words, while you could get more in collective bargaining or things could stay the same, you could also lose what you already have. No one knows.

There are no guarantees in collective bargaining!

There are three parties at the bargaining table:
- The employees – you bring everything you currently have, ie. wages, benefits, 401(k), company match, incentives
- The company – brings the checkbook (or money)
- The union – brings nothing to bargain with. The only thing the union has to bargain with or trade, is the employees’ things
The outcome of negotiations is unknown – each of the three parties have things they want in the contract, and will “bargain” to get.
You will not lose benefits because of union activity. But the outcome of negotiations is uncertain – you could get more, things could stay the same, or the union could give away things you like to get something for itself – forced union dues.
“[C]ollective Bargaining is potentially hazardous for employees and as a result of such negotiations, employees could wind up with less benefits after unionization than before.”
COACH & EQUIPMENT SALES CORP., 228 NLRB No. 51
“Employees understand that a union cannot obtain increased benefits just by winning an election, but that benefits must be obtained through collective bargaining.”
BURNS INTERNATIONAL SECURITY SERVICES, 256 NLRB NO. 165
What Really Happens in Union Bargaining?

What former union officials and staff have to say…
What you have now – your bargaining chips:
- Health, Vision, Dental
- Company paid – Life Insurance
- Company paid – Short Term and Long Term Disability
- Voluntary Life
- Flexible Spending Account
- PTO
- Floating Holidays
- 401k company match is dollar to dollar for the first 3% and 50 cents on the dollar for the next 2%
- Holiday Pay
- Bonus Referral Program
- Safety Shoe Allowance
Who Does The Bargaining?
The union will most likely hold a meeting of the members and ask what they want in the contract. It will likely be a very long “wish list.”
But at the bargaining table, the union does the talking; the union writes up and decides which proposals to make.
You have elected them as your representative to speak on your behalf, and ultimately decide on all the terms and conditions of your employment.