On average union members make more money than their non-union counterparts and enjoy superior health and retirement benefits. Organized labor affects non-union workers because employers fear workers will organize. The average non-union worker in an industry with 25% union representation appears to gain 5.0% to 7.5% higher wages because of union presence. Union workers are also protected from arbitrary firings and unfair discipline.
• Union members make 15% more in wages than non-union workers
• Union workers get about 26% more vacation time and 14% more total paid time off
• Unionized workers are more likely than their non-unionized counterparts to receive paid leave, are approximately 18% to 28% more likely to have employer-provided health insurance, and are 23% to 54% more likely to be in employer-provided pension plans.
• They also pay 18% lower health care deductibles and a smaller share of the costs for family coverage. In retirement, unionized workers are 24% more likely to be covered by health insurance paid for by their employer.
• Unionized workers receive better pension plans. Not only are they more likely to have a guaranteed benefit in retirement, their employers contribute 28% more toward pensions.