The most important thing to know about union contract bargaining is this:
There are no guarantees -- bargaining doesn't always mean better pay or benefits
Here's what the law says:
"The United States Government and the N.L.R.B. do not guarantee workers that the collective bargaining process starts from where you presently are in wages, insurance, pensions . . . and all other conditions of employment . . . nor did the government guarantee that you will lose no benefits . . ." (Automation and Measurement Div., Bendix Corp., 69 LRRM 2157)
“Collective Bargaining is potentially hazardous for employees and as a result of such negotiations, employees could wind up with less benefits after unionization than before.” (Coach & Equipment Sales Corp., 228 NLRB No. 51)
Here's what many of the Unions say:
THE BOTTOM LINE:
When unions say you can't lose in contract bargaining, they're not telling the truth.
Sometimes contracts increase pay or benefits, and sometimes contracts take pay or benefits away.
Nothing is guaranteed!