While many hard-working individuals nationwide have had to deal with cuts to their employee benefits as a result of the nation's economic crisis, it seems unionized workers have felt less of a strain on their worksite benefits.
The Employee Benefit Research Institute recently found that union workers suffered fewer cuts to their employee health insurance programs.
In 2007, 82 percent of all union workers had health insurance through their employers, while only 55.9 percent of non-union workers had healthcare access through their jobs. In 2009, health insurance coverage fell 2 percent, meaning that 80.4 percent of union members had job-sponsored health insurance. Conversely, non-union staff health coverage dropped 6.5 percent in that same time, leaving only 52.2 percent with the worksite benefits.
"The analysis shows that unionization is a key to many workers having health benefits, and that during tough economic times, union worker health benefits suffer less," explained Paul Fronstin of EBRI.
With many job-seekers listing employer-sponsored health insurance as a driving factor in their search for employment, HR departments may want to consider how to maintain employee health benefits without breaking the bank.
