JOIN THE OPERATIVE PLASTERERS' AND CEMENT MASONS' INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION

Better Wages

Don't you think your family deserves more economic security and better pay for the hard work you do?

Better Pensions

Union representation means that you are more likely to be able to retire with security and dignity. Overall, 90% of full-time union workers participate in at least one retirement plan, compared to only 74% of non-represented workers. Union workers are far more likely to participate in traditional defined benefit plans - 86% for union members versus only 50% for non-union workers. Such plans are almost always financed entirely by the employer, and your retirement benefits are guaranteed by the federal government.

Among union workers, 81% have defined benefit pension plans that are wholly financed by the employer. In non-union work sites only 48% of workers have defined benefit retirement plans financed by the employers.

Better Health Care

Unions have pioneered the provisions of health care as an employee benefit. Virtually all union contracts provide health care coverage, often paid for entirely by the employer. Sadly there are nearly 40 million Americans who have no health insurance. Most of these are children of employed workers, including those workers who serve our food in restaurants and take care of us in hospitals.

Among union workers, 52% have medical coverage that is wholly paid by the employer. In non-union work places. 18% have such coverage. Similarly, with dental care, union members have a significant advantage. In union work sites, 49% of workers have family dental coverage that is financed wholly by the employer. Among non-union workers, only 19% have employer paid dental coverage.

Better Sickness & Accident Benefit

Sickness and accident benefits provide needed income to working families in the event of non-work related sickness and injury among  union workers, 71% have sickness and accident insurance in non-union work sites only 36% receive economic security during times of illness and injury.

A Right to Health & Safety on the Job

Work can be hazardous to your health. Far too many American workers are killed, injured and exposed to diseases on the job. Working under a union contract can improve your ability to monitor your work environment and ensure that health and safety concerns are addressed.

A Voice at Work the Boss Can't Ignore

Belonging to a union gives you rights under federal law that you do not have as an individual. Union representation provides you with the tools you need to deal with your employer from a position of strength. Belonging to a union allows you to establish a written agreement that specifies the terms of your employment. Once you have formed a union, your employer is required by law to bargain with you over your wages, hours and working conditions.

Without union representation, which opens the door to the power of collective bargaining, an individual worker has no voice in his or her employment and is subject to arbitrary decisions made by the employer. With union representation, you have a voice in your future.

A Right to Vote on Your Contract

Under the OPCMIA constitutions members vote on contracts that are negotiated by the union. A majority of members must support a tentative agreement in order for that contract to become effective. This gives the rank and file workers the ultimate authority to decide their terms and conditions of employment. It is our proven method of checks and balances to ensure that the desires and expectations of the OPCMIA members are achieved.

Rights to Jobs that You Have Earned

Union members are able to obtain better jobs at the workplace because union contracts can specify job classification systems that require employers to "post" job openings and allow workers to "bid' on those jobs. Job posting allows workers to know what jobs the employer has available and what skills are needed to bid for those jobs. Generally under union contracts, the most senior employee who has the necessary skills is entitled to the job. This prevents favoritism and discrimination in the awarding of jobs.

Without a union contract an employer is free to give the best jobs to anyone he pleases.

Job Security

In times of high unemployment and uncertain economic conditions, the right to retain your job is critical to you and your family. It is important to know that you can't be fired without just cause or laid off to make room for the boss' favorite nephew.

Most union contracts establish strict rules about job security and the conditions under which layoffs or reductions in the work force take place. This makes sure that everyone is treated fairly, and that no one is discriminated against for speaking their mind on the job or enforcing the terms of the contract.

Without the protection of a union contract, you are at the mercy of the employer You have the ability to change that; you have the power (and the LEGAL RIGHT) if you act collectively.

Great Leaders Agree

"The strongest bond of human sympathy, outside of the family relation, should be one uniting all working people."
-- Abraham Lincoln

"If I were a worker in a factory, the first thing I would do would be to join a union.."
-- Franklin D. Roosevelt

"The AFL-CIO has done more good for more people than any other group in America."
-- Lyndon B. Johnson.

"Only a handful of unrestricted reactionaries harbor the ugly thought of breaking unions and of depriving working men or working women of the right to join the union of their choice."
-- Dwight D. Eisenhower

"The right to join a union of one's choice is unquestioned today, and is sanctioned and protected by law"
-- Harry S. Truman

"The American Labor Movement has consistently demonstrated its devotion to the public interest. It is, and has been, good for all Americans."
-- John F. Kennedy.

Millions agree!

Yes, millions of workers and their families make up the American Labor Movement. They have made the lives of their families fuller and happier and they have made their jobs more secure...and built a better America in the process. You can also find improvement through Unionism.

Your Right to Organize

Your right to organize is guaranteed by Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act which states in part that "employees shall have the right to self-organization, to form, join or assist labor organizations, to bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing, to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection..."

Some employers, in violation of the law, attempt to deny employees of their right to organize and join a union. Any violation of the law should be reported to the organizing committee as soon as possible. Prompt legal action will be taken on your behalf.

"Only a fool would try to deprive working men and working women of the right to join the union of their choice. "
-- Dwight D. Eisenhower

"If any man tells you he loves America, yet hates labor, he is a liar. If any man tells you he trusts America, yet fears labor, he is a fool."
--Abraham Lincoln

"The mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few to ride them."
-- Thomas Jefferson