What to do when your union is not helping you?
Christopher Davis
Updated on March 20, 2026
Go to the National Labor Relations Board. If the union still refuses to help you, you can go to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and file a complaint against your union. You must do this within 180 days of the time the union refused to do anything about your grievance.
What is the current status of union membership?
Private sector union membership rose slightly to 6.3 percent, up from 6.2 percent in 2019. Public sector union rates also increased to 34.8 percent from 33.6 percent.
Do union members get paid?
The BLS reports that on average, in 2019, union workers earned roughly $1,095 per week, while nonunion workers earned closer to $892. “Higher union wages, better union benefits, and union work rules that limit management discretion are things employers dislike and they seek to avoid union representation,” he explains.
Can a union refuse to represent you?
This legal principle quite simply states that a union must represent all workers equally and without prejudice. A union cannot refuse to represent or improperly represent a worker due to the worker’s age, race, creed, nationality, sex, religion, political beliefs, union status or personality.
How do I sue my union for misrepresentation?
How to Sue your Union for Misrepresentation
- Try to resolve the matter internally with your union representatives.
- Collect evidence for your claim.
- If the EEOC or NLBR conclude that you have been treated unfairly by the union, they will issue a right-to-sue letter.
- Get legal counsel before you start filing a lawsuit.
What are the main benefits of being a union member today?
Unions are associated with higher productivity, lower employee turnover, improved workplace communication, and a better-trained workforce. There is a substantial amount of academic literature on the following benefits of unions and unionization to employers and the economy: Economic growth. Productivity.
What are the negatives of a union?
The drawbacks of a union work life. Union dues and initiation fees. Dues can range from $200 to several hundred dollars per year, partially offsetting higher wages. Some unions also require a one-time initiation fee.
Can I get help from a union if I’m not a member?
In most cases, the answer is ‘No! ‘. Trade union membership is like an insurance policy. That’s why, once you already have a problem or concern at work, if you contact a union directly they will almost certainly tell you they will not help.
Do you have to pay union dues if you are not a member?
This means that you cannot be required to pay dues or fees to the union unless you have voluntarily joined the union. If you are not a member, you are still fully covered by the collective bargaining agreement that was negotiated between your employer and the union, and the union is obligated to represent you.
What does it mean to be a union member?
Union membership. A union is a body that represents the interests of workers in a particular industry or occupation. All employees and independent contractors are free to choose to join or not join a union.
Can a postal service employee be a union member?
All employees of the Federal Government, including Postal Service employees, by law are guaranteed the right to refrain from union membership.
Do you have to pay for union representation?
Membership in the union is up to you. By law you cannot be forced to join the union. But you will have to pay something to the union for its representation. These are called “agency fees”. The amount depends on the union.