Workers advocacy is designed to protect employees in various industries and niches. Mainly, these are Unions that represent worker rights and seek to change employer practices and working conditions. These organizations also develop and push for policies that define the rights and interests of employees. In addition, they will often work with employers and colleges to provide vital training to new or existing workers in their respective industries. Labor unions are considered the most common and familiar type of workers advocacy with a long-standing history of employee protection and collective bargaining.
While unions are for members and those wishing to join their ranks, employee advocate organizations represent workers in specific occupations or industries. However, these external groups do not involve themselves in collective bargaining. Still, they mandate particular standards and practices that must be adhered to by both workers and their employers. These include worker protections, safe workplace environments, and fair minimum wage rates. Similarly, they also advocate for stable work schedules and ensure their members are not mistreated at their respective workplaces.
Unions and employee advocate organizations are essential in protecting the rights of their members. As a result, they often push for employers to address their complaints and concerns. These include government agencies that employ workers across the nation. At times, works advocacy groups may strike if employers across many industries are not meeting their demands for fair pay and treatments.
One of the significant gripes of employee advocate groups is better wages. Most employees demand fair wages for the time and work they put in for their employers and industries. Unfortunately, this is no more accurate than for workers in hazardous professions who are only being paid minimum wages for not enough to sustain their health and lifestyles. Another demand is for employer-sponsored insurance plans. While most employers offer health coverage for their workers, not all programs cover medical expenses due to workplace accidents or mishaps. Labor movements also work hard to stop child labor and provide adequate aid to injured or retired workers.
There are also rules and regulations that employees must follow as part of unions. These may include union fees to keep their memberships active and current. While associations tend to differ in practice and industry, one constant is protecting their employees and members. Some organizations even have legal teams to represent their members in cases of employer negligence and default. These were usually when workers were injured, and employees refused to provide adequate medical coverage for their hospital fees and other damages.
Employees that are part of unions will receive full legal representation to ensure their rights are protected and fully met in a court of law. Thus, workers’ advocacy plays a pivotal role in employee-employer relationships and continues to monitor and enforce specific rules and guidelines that must be strictly adhered to by all parties involved.
With so many industries impacted by the global pandemic, worker and employer relationships continue to pose challenges across the board. There are many jobs to fill but not enough candidates due to low wages. For union employees, they too are seeing a significant reduction in hourly rates and salary wages. This is why workers advocates are essentially working overtime to ensure their members are fully protected in any industry or sector they serve.
