Flexibility

Joining a union may reduce your scheduling flexibility. Currently, you can work directly with your manager to request time off and schedule changes. In a unionized environment, these decisions are subject to a collective bargaining agreement, which may complicate approvals and enforce stricter rules.

Your requests may require adherence to a contract or union approval, which could potentially cause delays and prioritize those with seniority or closer ties to the union. Additionally, communication with your manager may become more formal, which can limit your ability to address scheduling issues easily. This shift can create a more rigid work environment, making personal advocacy for promotions more challenging, as these matters will be handled collectively rather than individually.

So, what could a union contract restrict or control?

• Your ability to receive an additional pay increase between review cycles
• Your ability to advocate for yourself
• Your ability to leave work early to accommodate your child’s sports event or go to a concert
• Your ability to flex to another unit to work more hours and/or overtime
• A supervisor assisting with patient care when a unit is short-staffed, or when you need coverage
• Your ability to modify your shift start or end time to accommodate an urgent need for a personal matter
• Your ability to plan vacations or select holidays off