The Union Difference

A Union Contract is a Guarantee of a Better Life

Joining together in a union gives workers the power to negotiate for what they've earned: better wages, stronger benefits, and a safer workplace. The data is clear—union membership is a proven path to a more secure and prosperous life for working families.

10% - 15%
higher wages

Union members earn on average 10–15% more than non-union workers, giving families greater financial security.

Source: U.S. Treasury Department

96%
Health Insurance Access

Ninety-six percent of union workers have employer-provided health insurance, but only 69% of nonunion workers do.

Source: AFL-CIO

91%
Access to Paid Sick Leave

91% of workers covered by union contracts have access to paid sick leave, compared to just 79% of non-union workers—highlighting unions’ role in securing essential health protections.

Source: Economic Policy Institute

The Three Pillars of the Union Difference

Better Wages & Spillover Benefits

In 2024, union members earned a median weekly wage of $1,337, while non-union workers earned $1,138—a difference of nearly 17.5%. Moreover, a 1 percentage-point rise in private sector union density translates into approximately a 0.3% wage boost for non-union workers—demonstrating how unions elevate pay across the board.

Stronger Benefits Package

As of September 2022, private-sector union workers received an average total compensation of $53.20 per hour worked, while non-union workers received $38.37. More importantly, employers spent nearly double on benefits for union workers—$21.24 per hour versus $10.81—highlighting huge gains in healthcare, retirement, paid leave, and more.

Safer & More Fair Workplaces

Beyond pay and benefits, unions have been central to landmark worker protections that shape modern workplaces—establishing the eight-hour workday, the two-day weekend, overtime pay, child labor laws, paid sick leave, anti-discrimination protections, the legal right to strike, and strong worker's compensation systems.

More Than a Paycheck: A Voice on the Job

The union difference is about more than just numbers. It’s about dignity, respect, and having a real say in your work life. A union provides a democratic structure for you and your coworkers to make decisions and to negotiate with your employer as equals. Your legally binding contract ensures rules are applied fairly and consistently to everyone.

READY TO TAKE ACTION?

You've Earned the Union Difference.

These benefits aren't just for other people—they are achievable in your workplace. By joining together with your coworkers, you can negotiate a contract that guarantees the fair pay, strong benefits, and safe working conditions you deserve.

Start a Confidential Conversation with an Organizer

About Unionize CLE

UnionizeCLE.org is Greater Cleveland’s union organizing hub.
We are an initiative of the North Shore AFL-CIO Federation of Labor, helping workers find union jobs or organize at their workplace to win fair pay, safer conditions, and the benefits and protections that come with union membership.

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