Dismissal

Business owners that operate non-unionized workplaces enjoy considerably more freedom in the
dismissal process. In general, businesses that employ union workers must undergo an often
lengthy and formal process to dismiss an employee, even for good cause. Non-union workplaces
avoid lengthy dismissal proceedings and can dismiss employees for contract violations, decide
not to renew contracts or simply end employment without specific reason in at-will workplaces.
The ability to more easily remove non-productive and disruptive employees allows business
owners to maintain a congenial work environment and protect the profitability of the business.
Merit Promotions
Many unions negotiate contracts with employers that directly tie seniority in the union to
promotions. In these situations, the promotion goes to the person with the most time in, rather
than the person with the best chance of doing the job successfully. In non-unionized workplaces,
the owners and managers can choose to promote an employee based on ability and potential,
rather than time in the business. Merit-based promotions can prove very effective in moving
talent into a position that benefits the business.
Individual Agreements
Employees in non-union workplaces can approach a manager or business owner directly and
negotiate an individual wage increase, benefits package or contract. The option to negotiate
directly can yield significant advantages for highly productive employees. Unions tie the hands
of both employers and employees in terms of wage, benefits and contract negotiation. The union
serves as the sole representative for the employees, and all negotiations must move through the
union for the entire union membership. As the union negotiates for the entire union membership,
individual members can lose out on opportunities.
Lower Employee Costs
Even if an employee opts not to formally join a union, a workplace union may still impose fees
and dues on all workers. Unions enjoy discretion in determining the total amounts of fees and
dues. These fees and dues typically come directly out of the employees' paychecks. By working
in non-unionized workplaces, employees avoid the costs imposed by unions, potentially boosting
their total take-home pay.