What is a Union?

What Is a Union?

A union is an organization formed by workers who come together to speak with one voice and advocate for fair treatment on the job. Through their union, workers negotiate with employers over wages, benefits, job safety, training, and other workplace conditions.

Unions also hold employers accountable, making sure workers are treated fairly and respectfully. Union leaders are elected by the membership, making unions democratic and member driven.

Why Do I Need a Union?

You chose public service because you care about your community. But caring isn’t enough, we need power to make change. By coming together as a union, we gain the strength to stand up for what’s right, for ourselves, our families, and the people we serve.

When we speak as one, our voices can’t be ignored, not by management, not by politicians, and not by the public.

Do Union Workers Get Higher Wages?

Yes. On average, union members earn 26.2% more than non-union workers. The union advantage is even greater for women and people of color:

• Women and African American workers in unions earn up to 33.1% more
• Latino workers earn up to 47.1% more when represented by a union

Do Union Workers Get Better Benefits?

Yes. Union workers are significantly more likely to have access to quality health care and retirement benefits:

• 95% of union workers have health insurance and pension plans
• Compared to only 68% (health) and 63% (pension) for non-union workers

Why Do I Need a Union Now?

Public service workers are under attack. Politicians cut our budgets, threaten our pensions, and outsource our jobs to private contractors who pay less and offer fewer protections.

These attacks aren’t just about dollars, they’re about power. They want to weaken public workers and dismantle the services our communities rely on.

We can’t let that happen.

Unions fight back. We defend our rights, protect our jobs, and build a stronger middle class. The more workers who join and organize, the more power we have to protect what we’ve earned, and to fight for more.

What Is Collective Bargaining?

Collective bargaining is how union members negotiate with management over wages, hours, benefits, and working conditions.

A bargaining committee, made up of co-workers we elect, sits down with management as equals and negotiates a union contract that outlines our rights on the job. Nothing is finalized until the majority of members vote to approve it.

In workplaces like home-based care, union members negotiate directly with the public agencies that oversee their work.

Does Having a Union Mean We Have to Strike?

Not at all. Strikes are rare, and they’re always a last resort, decided locally by union members.

In most cases, strong and well-organized unions don’t need to strike. Just knowing workers are united is often enough to win fair contracts.

In Summary

Unions give us the power to improve our jobs, protect our rights, and strengthen our communities. Together, we fight for respect, fairness, and a better future—for all working people.

Union Strong. AFSCME Strong.

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The facts speak for themselves: 

Union members earn higher wages, have stronger health care coverage, and retire with greater financial security. By standing together, we have the power to negotiate for the fair pay and benefits we deserve.

But a union is about more than just better pay. It’s about respect for the work you do. It’s about being safe and protected on the job. It’s about access to training, resources, and support to help you succeed. And it means never facing workplace issues alone, because AFSCME NJ has your back.

Ready to make a change? Let’s build it together.