Skip to main content

Unions 101

Social share icons

What is a union?

Unions are democratically elected bodies dedicated to represent the interests of working people across diverse workplaces. As democratic bodies, unions are centered around a simple proposition: by coming together in solidarity, working women and men gain strength in numbers so they can have a voice at work about what they care about.

When working people organize, we unify our voices to negotiate a contract with our employers for things like a fair and safe workplace, better wages, a secure retirement and family-friendly policies such as paid sick leave and scheduling hours. The more workers who join unions and become actively involved, the more power we have to build a brighter future for all working peoples. When we join together, we can fight back against a rigged system.

How do unions help working people?

Unions don’t just help union members -- they’re good for everyone. Union jobs put a “floor” under wages and benefits for entire industries; raising pay, making good benefits a key part of compensation, and improving working conditions for all workers. Unions provide a voice for all working people in Connecticut, whether they carry a union card or not.

Unions strive to build an economy in which the rewards of economic growth are broadly shared.

Robert Reich, economist and former United States Secretary of Labor, explains why labor unions impact the middle class and raise wages.

Still watching/reading? Check out this funny video about all the important things unions have done for working people: