When talking about health, one often fails to consider the many ways the various aspects of our lives play a part in its progression. Health is a matter of wellbeing in every context, therefore it’s important to emphasize the role that key institutions play in promoting health equity. Unions, for example, are prominent drivers of health equity that people often don’t think about. However, the promotion of workers' rights, equal compensation, and robust personal benefits are all key components of an employee’s health.
Historical Context
Labor unions have a long history of advocating for workers’ rights, dating back to the industrial revolution when unsafe working conditions and unfair labor practices were rampant. During this period, unions emerged as a powerful force to combat these injustices, pushing for legislation that ensured safer working environments, fair wages, and basic health benefits. These early efforts laid the groundwork for the modern labor movement and established unions as key players in promoting health equity.
Labor Unions as Modern Drivers of Health Equity
Labor unions continue to be critical in promoting equity by ensuring the expansion and protection of workers’ rights. Beyond economic benefits, unions play a significant role in the context of employee health and wellbeing. There are three main ways that unions promote health equity:
- Reduced Hazards: Unionized workers are statistically more likely to report safety hazards to the U.S OSHA, primarily because they are less fearful of retaliation from management. This proactive approach leads to fewer workplace injuries and accidents. Financially, unions play a crucial role in protecting workers by ensuring they receive fair compensation and adequate benefits in the event of a workplace injury. Conversely, anti-union policies, such as right-to-work legislation, increase the likelihood of occupational fatalities, highlighting the importance of unions in promoting workplace safety and security.
- Communal Benefits: Unions enhance an employee’s degree of power in relation to their employer. Through their membership, they have more bargaining power and say-so in terms of their employment. Employees in unionized workplaces are less likely to face discrimination or conditions of inequity (e.g., wage discrepancies), which contributes to an inclusive and diverse workforce. The support system offered by unions also allows employees a space to seek support for workplace issues or complaints which is beneficial for promoting emotional wellbeing. Unions can advocate for community health in collaboration with public-health practitioners.
- Better Benefits: Unions increase the likelihood that employees will have employer-provided health insurance (EPHI). They negotiate with employers to find a health insurance contract that works for its members, not against them. For many individuals this access to health insurance is a critical component of maintaining steady employment and overall wellbeing. With health insurance, employees can afford regular medical check-ups, preventive care, and necessary treatments, all of which are important for ensuring long-term health.
By addressing these areas, labor unions play a significant role in promoting health equity and the overall well-being of their members.
Labor Unions as Institutions of Public Health
Labor unions can function as de facto institutions of public health, ensuring fair work standards and benefits for employees. They empower workers’ health by committing employers to providing their employees adequate support and oversight. More importantly, unions ensure that every member gets the benefits they deserve. To further position labor unions as drivers of Health Equity, the following actions are needed:
- Form partnerships. Create new partnerships between public health practitioners and unions to advance health equity through the promotion of public health.
- Conduct more research. Investigate the correlation between positive health outcomes and increased unionization rates. By collaborating, policymakers and researchers can assess how unionization impacts public health and economic outcomes.
- Support union efforts. Back policies and initiatives that strengthen unions’ ability to advocate for the health and well-being of workers.