Union insurance professionals are creating better workplaces
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Fair Compensation
Together, we have the power to negotiate for higher salaries through wage minimums, guaranteed annual raises, and merit pay increases.
At Northwestern Mutual, OPEIU members have negotiated for an annual bonus in addition to annual pay increases and merit raises.
In addition to salary minimums, annual wage increases, and holiday bonuses, OPEIU members at American Income Life negotiated for additional pay for the completion of agreed upon education courses.
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Recognition of Hours and Workloads
Our industry often requires us to work odd and extra hours. As union members, we’ve been able to secure additional pay and time off that recognizes the difficulty of our workloads and schedules.
At Northwestern Mutual, OPEIU members can choose to receive overtime pay or comp time for working additional hours. Additionally, union members at Northwest Mutual are compensated for working an unusual shift and taking on the responsibilities of another position.
OPEIU members at American Income Life earn overtime pay for working extra hours. In some circumstances, employees receive meal allowances and a supplemental child care allowance when performing overtime work.
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Work-Life Balance
We know that heavy workloads and inadequate time off leads to burnout. With our union, we’ve bargained for generous amounts of leave and the ability to modify our schedules to balance family and work responsibilities.
OPEIU members at American Income Life negotiated for flexible schedules, including four-day work weeks. Additionally, many members have the added flexibility of working remotely.
Northwestern Mutual OPEIU members have secured large amounts of paid time off, paid holidays, and other types of leave.
Raising standards
Insurance Professionals United and the Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) hosted an online event about how insurance professionals can gain a say in workplace decisions and address issues in their industry by forming unions. Watch the recording to hear from DPE staff, union organizers, and a union insurance professional about the difference joining together can make to professionals’ pay, benefits, and working conditions, and how to form a union.
How to form a union
1. Contact us.
Contact us and we will support you and provide you with guidance as you join together with your colleagues.
2. Build support.
Talk to your co-workers about what improvements they would like to see in your workplace and how those improvements can be achieved with a union. Once you have a majority of interest in a union, you and your co-workers will sign confidential "authorization cards” to express your support for a union.
3. Union recognition.
Your employer will either recognize your union or you will file a petition for an election with the National Labor Relations Board and then vote for your union.
4. Negotiate your contract.
After your union is certified through an election or recognition, you and your co-workers will sit down with management and negotiate over your pay, benefits, and working conditions.
5. Vote on your contract.
You and your co-workers will vote to approve the contract you negotiated with management.
Contact us.
Are you interested in learning more about forming a union in your workplace? Please fill out the form below. Submitted information will be kept confidential.