Union vs. Non Union RN positions

[nerdynurseme]

Hi, so I've been applying to jobs here in GTA and I noticed some are categorized as ONA and non-ONA positions. Credit Valley/Trillium for example, has openings for both categories. So I'm just wondering what the pros and cons of being in a unionized and non unionized facility/hospital. Does anybody can give me an idea about how much the difference between the rate of ONA and non-ONA nurses in hospitals? Or maybe some of you are working non-union position or knows anybody who are working non-union in a hospital.

Thank you in advanced! Your replies will greatly be apprciated. :)

[Daisy_08, BSN, RN]

I personally like a union, but that is because I had a bad experience at a small nursing home. Sickkids is non-union, I know many people who work there and like it. The pay is a bit higher as they want to be competitive and keep the union out. I have never worked in a non-union hospital so I can't offer much of a comparison. Having a large union is powerful. It's the difference between 200 nurses vs big bad hospital and 200 000 nurses vs big bad hospital, same idea with benefits.

This is what ONA says:

. Why join a union?

Unionized jobs provide the employer with a central bargaining agent and provide the employees with protection in the workplace. Union employees can expect premium wages and benefits (such as a pension plan, medical plan and extended health and dental plans), as well as more vacation time and paid statutory holidays than their non-union counterparts. Unions work hard to ensure employers offer optimal health and safety protection for their employees.

[ruralgirl08]

There are pros and cons to both, as I have worked in both. Very glad we have unions, because if we didn't, we probably would not have the decent living we make as nurses, or have the backing we need when our rights may be jeopardized. Because of the unions, the non union hospitals offer competitive wages, perks, ect. Scheduling in non-union was much more flexible, we were given decent breaks when we could get to them, but forget about putting in for overtime after a long grueling shift. You don't have the expensive union dues so you saved $$. But in a non-union environment, you feel a little less "backed" if something "potentially" goes wrong, and your job may not be as secure if their are lay-offs, ect, though the hospital does want to keep you. Invest in practice protection insurance for sure. Otherwise not much difference.