INDUSTRIES

A strong workforce is the foundation of our economy and the nation itself. The IUJAT’s Local Unions represent members in a wide range of industries and occupations, and this broad distribution across industries and our comprehensive philosophy keeps our approach to organizing, negotiation, and representation fresh, focused, and flexible.

We are successful because we understand the changing needs of businesses and workers in the modern marketplace. We have the experience to provide innovative representation that is up to the challenges of a diversified and rapidly evolving economy.

Fiction:

Unions are outside, special-interest groups.

Fact:

A union is simply a democratic organization of working people standing up for their rights on the job and in society. Unions bring people together in the community to stand up for issues that matter to all working people. 

Fiction:

Unions mean more conflict in the workplace.

Fact:

Unions help resolve conflict and can make the workplace more peaceful and productive. A union contract allows the company and workers to sit down as equals and discuss problems as they come up. Without a union, workers’ lives are often in more turmoil because they don't have the security of a CBA or a grievance procedure to deal with disputes.

Fiction:

Unions cause companies to close.

Fact:

Companies close for economic reasons, and the vast majority of companies that close are non-union. However, some companies like to promote this fiction by illegally threatening workers who attempt to form a union with closing the company. Studies actually show that unions help companies by decreasing employee turnover and increasing productivity.

Fiction:

Unions used to be effective, but they’re not anymore.

Fact:

Unions are still by far the best way for working people to win economic security and have a voice on the job. The numbers tell the story: Union members make up to 30% more in wages than non-union workers. Union members are much more likely to have a retirement plan and health insurance than non-union workers. Unions also keep the workplace safe, curb discrimination on the job, and give workers a much-needed voice.

Fiction:

Unions force workers out on strike often.

Fact:

Workers vote whether or not to strike. Strikes gain a lot of attention, but 99% of contract negotiations are settled without a strike. No one ever wants a strike, and it is always a last resort.

Fiction:

Unions just want workers’ dues.

Fact:

Unions are not-for-profit organizations. The money that workers pay in dues goes into running the organization, primarily in the form of representation. Dues levels are set by each Local Union through a democratic process. The gains workers see in pay, benefits, and fair treatment thanks to their unions are far greater than the small cost of union dues.

Fiction:

Most union bosses are corrupt.

Fact:

It’s a tragedy when a trusted leader betrays the membership in any kind of organization. However, for the handful of high-profile stories that are in the media about corrupt union leaders, there are thousands of regular, honest leaders who are never profiled and positive stories that don't make headlines. Sadly, what most people know about unions, they only know from negative press, not from the good and important work they do.

Fiction:

Unions are in decline.

Fact:

Union membership has remained steady for the past 50 years, but the workforce itself has grown. Today, 14.5 million working men and women in the United States are union members.

Fiction:

Unions are political organizations that work to elect Democrats.

Fact:

Unions are not about politics. Unions’ work involves fighting for good contracts, helping workers improve their lives, and standing up for all working families. Some would say that work includes supporting pro-worker political candidates and legislation that help working people and their unions achieve these goals. While the IUJAT does not often get involved in political campaigns, many unions are politically active. However, it is not about electing Democrats or Republicans—it’s about supporting those who stand up for the rights and interests of working people.

Close

Businesses depend on their workers in order to thrive and remain competitive, while workers depend upon their employer remaining viable and profitable. With the IUJAT, workers and employers both enjoy labor peace. Our members work under contracts that set the standard in their industries. Because of their membership in our union, they receive fair wages, enjoy security on the job, receive excellent benefit packages, and have experienced, professional representation.

The IUJAT represents workers in many diverse service-related industries. We understand the needs of our nation's indispensable service workers and have experience in negotiating first-rate contracts in the industry. Our members' rights are guaranteed, and as members of the IUJAT, they receive some of the best representation and benefits available.

AUTOMOTIVE

The IUJAT has been representing auto technicians for over 60 years. We have a deep understanding of the automotive business, including the challenges and opportunities it presents. Our organization represents more automotive workers in the tri-state area than all other labor union competitors combined, and we take pride in our reputation for negotiating contracts that set the industry standard. The IUJAT is committed to promoting labor peace and fostering a collaborative partnership between employers and employees, which ultimately leads to increased productivity and earnings for everyone involved.

Cannabis

As the cannabis industry continues to grow rapidly and more states legalize cannabis, the IUJAT is adapting to meet the needs of today's workers. To this end, the IUJAT has established the Cannabis Engineers, Extractors, and Distributors (CEED), a directly affiliated local union that exclusively represents cannabis workers. The IUJAT aims to represent all cannabis workers, such as budtenders, cultivators, engineers, and more. Through the efforts of the IUJAT and CEED, cannabis workers benefit from improved job security, better benefits, and an enhanced quality of life.

Construction

The IUJAT’s construction division has grown rapidly in recent years, providing a cost-effective, high-quality workforce capable of completing jobs on time and on budget. Our signatory contractors do their own hiring, and our apprentices and journeymen have full-time, year-round employment with the same employers. With the IUJAT, there are no hiring halls, furloughs, or other antiquated and costly work rules. Our members enjoy steady employment, first-rate representation, fair wages, and access to excellent benefits and training. We represent workers in construction industry jobs, such as:

  • Mechanical trades
  • Electrical trades
  • Ready mix drivers
  • Operating engineers
  • Laborers
  • Truck and heavy machinery mechanics
  • Surveyors
  • Truck drivers

‍

The United Service Workers Union (USWU), an affiliate of the IUJAT, created the Joint Apprenticeship Training Fund (JATF) to address the need for skilled mechanical trades professionals. These professionals receive the critical training necessary for success. The JATF offers a state-of-the-art apprenticeship program, ensuring that the next generation of tradespeople can learn from the industry's best. The program includes five New York State-approved apprenticeship programs for:

  • Steam fitting
  • Fire sprinkler fitting
  • Plumbing
  • Sheet metal working
  • Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Energy

The IUJAT’s Energy Division has evolved from one of our oldest core industries: home heating oil delivery and service. Our members benefit from the union's extensive experience and expertise, resulting in contracts that establish industry standards. We have members across many different sections of energy such as:

  • Home Heating Oil
  • Gasoline
  • Propane Delivery
  • Green Energy
  • Commercial & Residential Boiler Service and Repair

HOME HEALTHCARE

Home healthcare workers are historically one of the most underrepresented and underpaid groups in today’s labor force, despite being considered essential workers. The IUJAT recognized the need for these frontline workers to be strongly represented and advocated for, which is why they created the Home Healthcare Workers of America (HHWA). With over 50,000 members, primarily women of color, HHWA is one of the fastest-growing unions in the nation. HHWA helps its members secure higher wages and better workplace conditions through union contracts and its lobbying efforts at the state and local levels, so that home healthcare workers receive the pay and training opportunities they deserve.

Public Sector

The IUJAT represents thousands of public sector workers throughout the tri-state area. Our local unions are committed to providing our dedicated public servants with professional, on-site representation, superior negotiations, and adherence to democratic principles which ensure the integrity of the union for the benefit of our members, their families, and our communities.

Transportation

The IUJAT and its affiliates are on an industry-wide campaign to promote dignity and respect for workers in the transportation industry. We represent workers at several larger transportation companies across the nation. While working under contracts that protect their rights, seniority, and job security and provide guaranteed annual pay raises, our members earn more per hour, plus benefits, than many of their peers.