to what extend does union membership and collective bargaining affect wage determination?

Answer 1

For the Skilled Trades (aka Crafts like Boilermakers, Ironworkers, etc), it's major. Statistically, Union members have higher wages, better benefits, etc than non-union. All of it is determined during the collective bargaining process.

According to Monster.com's wages area, the National Average Gross hourly pay for a Boilermaker is $19.02. (I averaged Level 1 and Level 3). That would be non-union. A Union Journeyman makes about 61% higher per hour, not bad for only 6% of gross dues! (which, by the way, are an itemized deduction on Income Taxes - read IRS pub. 529)

Before you start thinking that wage is outrageous for someone without a college degree, go attempt the work that they do and take on the life & health risks that go with that trade! A majority of people are not capable of the work or the long hours (7/12s for months straight are not uncommon).

Answer 2

Actually it doesn't. Just because you are a member in a union, when the union bargains for you at "contract time" they are bargaining for the entire work force at the company. If a wage increase is won then everybody gets the raise, not just union members.

Answer 3

At Least in California it has a paramount effect in that the negotiated wage package of most of the building trades ARE the "prevailing wage" as defined by the state.

for the individual, negotiating your wage alone would not get you a wage amount you want , rather than if you and another 100 people(hopefully a majority of the prople in the workplace) wanted more money.

other factors are availibility of skilled workers, quality of work

Answer 4

To a large extent. If the union is strong, then it really pushes the wages up to the maximum reasonable amount that the employer is willing to pay.

Answer 5

Why would someone pay 3% to a union to get a 2% raise?.