Unionization helps employees fight for better work conditions through collective bargaining. However, not all employers allow unionization in their shops.
Is Meijer unionized? How do you qualify to join as an employee? What benefits accrue to you as a union member? If you’d like the answers to these questions, read on!
Is Meijer Unionized In [currentyear]?
Meijer is unionized, and your admission is automatic upon employment as of [currentyear]. However, not all store members have joined the union. Union dues are between $8 and $9 per paycheck, and United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFWC) represents employees. Union and non-union members enjoy equal treatment with no bias.
Read on if you would like more details about unionization at Meijer, the benefits of unionizing, and how much your union is due!
Do I Have To Join A Union At Meijer?
Your admission to the union at Meijer is automatic upon employment, though not all stores insist on unionization.
Essentially, it all depends on which store you work at.
Who Can Join The Meijer Union?
Meijer’s union membership is open to all non-management employees, whether employed full-time or part-time.
For example, all employees in charge of other employees are considered management and are disqualified from joining the union, which amounts to conflict of interest.
Similarly, any Meijer employee with authority to make independent decisions on the welfare of the workers cannot join the union.
With that, Meijer considers such employees part of its bargaining system.
Are All Meijer Stores Unionized?
Meijer allows its employees to choose whether they want to join the union or not.
Still, there are stores and departments within Meijer that are not unionized, but Meijer is not against unionization. Therefore, it’s the preference of the employees to join.
Further, most stores in Michigan are unionized; however, this is not the case in Ohio and Indiana.
Who Represents Meijer Union Members?
Meijer union members are represented by a labor union for retail workers called United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFWC).
That said, members of the union pay representation dues and expect their rights for better remuneration, healthcare, and working conditions to be raised.
Still, UFWC is the union that recruits Meijer members. Ultimately, members choose for themselves whether they want to join the union.
What Are The Benefits Of Joining The Meijer Union?
Joining the union grants Meijer employees the following benefits:
- The employees can bargain for improved work conditions, especially fairer pay and job security in tumultuous times.
- Proper scheduling and leave to take a break or attend to life’s contingencies.
- Access to better health care.
- Access to financial planning services.
- Access to recreational facilities as some unions organizes sports teams and competitions.
Why Are Some Meijer Stores Unionized While Others Are Not?
The law gives Meijer employees the right to organize into a labor union. However, the law does not compel membership.
As previously stated, Meijer allows its members to be in a union if they wish.
Moreover, their co-workers or personal decisions have persuaded most Meijer employees who have joined the union.
Also, employees in stores that are not yet unionized are free to join the union as long as they understand the terms.
Does Meijer Treat Union And Non-Union Members Differently?
All Meijer employees are treated the same regardless of whether they’re in a union or not.
But, the only difference is that union employees are represented by UFCW Local 951, which negotiates the terms of their employment like pay and benefits.
However, Meijer’s internal policies still cover non-union members.
Overall, Meijer treats all team members fairly and provides competitive pay and a good benefits package regardless of whether they are union or non-union.
Further, Meijer does not discriminate against employees who have joined a labor union or have filed charges with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
How Much Are Union Dues When You Join At Meijer?
It will cost you about $8 to $9 per paycheck to be part of the union at Meijer. Also, this amount is non-dependent on your work hours, position, or pay.
On average, it costs an employee about $400 a year to be a member of the union at Meijer.
Additionally, this excludes any voluntary union deductions the employee may agree to for charity organizations.
How Can I Opt Out Of The Union At Meijer?
No matter what your union makes you sign, you can opt-out of your union dues at any time.
Fortunately, the UFCW offers a straightforward way to opt-out of it by taking the following steps:
- Enter your information on the online form and then submit. The site also contains instructions to follow.
- Click the link on the page that comes up to open a customized form.
- Print the form. If you select the non-printed version, it will be mailed to you.
- Sign and date the form and make two copies.
- Send the completed form to the address on top of it, preferably using certified mail.
- Give another copy to Meijer to stop submitting your dues. Keep a copy for your file.
What Happens To My Job If My Meijer Store Becomes Unionized?
By law, Meijer cannot fire you or make changes that adversely affect your job because you joined a union.
Membership is voluntary, and Meijer is bound to accept and not frustrate its employees.
So, if most eligible team members at your store vote in favor of a union, then Meijer will be required to bargain with that union collectively.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on whether or not Meijer owns Kroger, if Meijer drug test, and is Meijer gas top tier.
Conclusion
Meijer is unionized, and though membership may be automatic upon employment, it is by no means compulsory, nor does it affect employment status.
Moreover, members of the union pay dues to their local association and expect their needs to be advocated for through collective bargaining.
