Dignity

With union representation, you have a way to balance the power between you and your employer. You are guaranteed your voice will be heard when you have been treated unfairly. Grievance and arbitration provisions in your contract provide you a fair hearing by an impartial judge.

Wages and benefits

Union members in the United States and Canada earn better wages and enjoy better benefits for themselves and their families than non-union workers.

For example, the U.S. Department of Labor reports that the average difference between union and non-union workers' wages and benefits is $6.69 per hour. A union contract pays off for you and your family.

(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Job security

With the protection of a union contract, enforced by the world's leading union representing workers in all fields of the printing industry, you have real security. Seniority protections ensure your right to hold your job in the event of layoffs, guarantee that you will get the promotions you deserve, and protect you from favoritism.

Pensions

The five GCC/IBT pension plans in the United States and Canada have more than a billion dollars in assets. GCC/IBT pensions provide you with the assurance that you and your family will retire with security and dignity.

Training

With nationally recognized apprentice programs in many of the printing trade fields, you gain national certification as a journey worker in your job. You can be recognized as a craftsperson wherever you apply for work in the industry.

Safety and health

Most GCC/IBT contracts contain provisions that require employers to maintain safe and healthful workplaces. This allows the union to pursue safety complaints directly with the employer and pursue them through the grievance procedure until they are corrected. With the protection of a union contract, you don't have to worry about being fired for complaining about workplace hazards -- concerted action on safety is a protected right under the law. As a member of a GCC/IBT local union, you also benefit from the expertise and experience of the GCC/IBT safety and health programs.

Other benefits