What is a Union?

To understand our position on unions, it is helpful to understand not only what a union is, but what a union is not. A union is not a club or a social organization.

A union is a business.

Unions represent their members in dealings with employers. In return, unions charge fees for their services. These fees are often deducted directly from employee paychecks.
Today, just 5.9% of workers in the private sector belong to a union. Like any business, unions need a revenue stream to stay in business. This revenue comes from dues paying members. Unions need new members to survive.
The main source of money for unions comes from dues, fees and assessments paid by their members.
The more members that unions have, the more membership fees and dues they can collect.

Howmet Aerospace is an attractive target for unions because of our large workforce.

Union Membership
(Private Sector)

What Unions Can and Cannot Do

Unions CAN

Collect dues, fees, fines and assessments
Negotiate and make proposals
Refuse to act on union member’s grievance
Represent all employees even those who voted against the union
Require employees to go on strike
Discipline, issue penalties or fine members who violate union by-laws

Unions CANNOT

Guarantee a union contract
Guarantee higher wages
Guarantee better benefits
Guarantee hours
Guarantee employment
Prevent layoffs
Prevent termination for just cause
Set job standards
Fire or transfer managers