The Power of a Union Contract

A union job means the guarantee of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), also known as a legally binding
contract. A contract is an enforceable document that establishes “wages, hours and terms and conditions of work.” There are currently more than 4,400 contracts in effect between the IAM and various companies.

A typical contract secures such things as raises, vacations and holidays, life insurance, medical, dental and vision coverage, a pension plan, 401(k), sick leave, maternity leave, shift differentials, transfer and promotion rights, and agreed-upon methods of settling differences between the members and management (grievance procedures).

As an IAM member, you help select the union committee that negotiates the contract and vote to approve or reject any proposed agreement.