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I don't know...most Union hospitals in my area (whether I can join or not) have higher wages than non-union hospitals.
That's honestly was my assumption was about unions... Was they negotiated higher pay... I really don't understand how the nurses are benefitted from being unionized if they are paid less than other nurses in the same health care system.
That's honestly was my assumption was about unions... Was they negotiated higher pay... I really don't understand how the nurses are benefitted from being unionized if they are paid less than other nurses in the same health care system.
Depends on how strong the union is, as well as how well is your job protected, as well; this hospital may have sacrificed higher wages for better staffing ratios, mandatory breaks, and a better grievance process.
A few considerations here. The salary might not be on par, but what kind of benefits come with the unionized job? Do you have a better staffing ratio? How about health insurance? Shift differentials? Overtime pay? Subsidized meals? Employee wellness programs?
There are many indirect compensation pieces that you might be missing out on which can add up rather quickly. You might be the type (like myself) who would rather work where the wage is higher and the indirect compensation is less. The place that is not unionized likely realizes the unionized place will offer many benefits and has opted to pay a higher hourly in order to appear as the employer of choice.
A few considerations here. The salary might not be on par, but what kind of benefits come with the unionized job? Do you have a better staffing ratio? How about health insurance? Shift differentials? Overtime pay? Subsidized meals? Employee wellness programs?There are many indirect compensation pieces that you might be missing out on which can add up rather quickly. You might be the type (like myself) who would rather work where the wage is higher and the indirect compensation is less. The place that is not unionized likely realizes the unionized place will offer many benefits and has opted to pay a higher hourly in order to appear as the employer of choice.
I work for the same company, but a different hospital. We all go to orientation together, and I'm fairly certain benefits are exactly the same.
It's baffling..
Maybe it's the ratios...
It is possible that they are paying better at the non-union facilities to prevent them from wanting to unionize. I know of a hospital system that had 6 non-union hospitals and acquired 1 union hospital. They worked very hard to keep the other facilities from wanting to unionize.
It is possible the union negotiated a multi-year contract. The non-union hospitals may have recently had a wage increase and the union hospital may not get a wage increase until the contract expires and they renegotiate. In other words it may just be a timing issue.
Everything I wanted to mention has already been said, so I'll just second the notion of double checking to make sure that benefits, staffing ratios, policies re: breaks or floating or mandatory overtime, scheduling policies, etc. aren't better at the Union hospital. A union contract is about more than hourly pay -- mine negotiated a grievance policy, staffing policies, a policy regarding overtime and many other benefits that made it a more attractive place to work.
pixiestudent2
993 Posts
Does anyone have a reasonable explanation for this? You're paying union dues to be paid less.
I want to work at said hospital... But it seems like BS to me.
I'd be taking a pay cut and be forced to pay union dues.