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Labor Union Insurance Policy Information

Labor Union Insurance. Trade and labor unions were formed to improve the wages, benefits and working conditions of its members through collective bargaining. They may be limited to one type of worker, such as carpentry, or be organized around an industry, such as construction.

The union's officers are elected by the members and make decisions on their behalf. They represent members in disputes with management. They may advocate for legislation and social policies favorable to their members.

Some unions offer counseling, job placement, temporary job services, or vocational rehabilitation and training. Many unions sponsor social activities for their members, such as picnics, athletic teams/leagues, or parties. Alcoholic beverages may be served at social events.

Some unions provide transportation services to sponsored events and have significant automobile exposures. Others are responsible for pension or retirement funds and have a significant fiduciary exposure.

Strikes, labor disputes, and walkouts may occur if the members of the union decide to take action against employers, increasing the potential for personal injury liability, bodily injury, and property damage. Labor unions are nonprofit, and their workers are a combination of voluntary and paid. While most of the funding is through membership dues, there may be additional fund-raising activities.

Geographic exposure is usually local, but most unions are linked to state or national organizations. All activities, operations, fund-raising promotions, and geographic exposures of the union should be carefully evaluated.

unions are a vital part of the workforce. They work with employers on behalf of the employees they represent to establish protections in the workplace and to set standards of pay, thereby improving working conditions by ensuring that employees are receiving just treatment.

Unions also help society, as a whole, by promoting economic gains, increasing productivity, and reducing the turnover rate.

Are you in charge of a prominent trade union? Have you and your colleagues decided to create a local union? Either way, it's important that you have the right type of labor union insurance protection in place.

Labor union insurance protects your trade and labor union locals, regional and national associations from lawsuits with rates as low as $57/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked labor union insurance questions:

• What Is Labor Union Insurance?
• How Much Does Labor Union Insurance Cost?
• Why Do Trade & Labor Unions Need Insurance?
• What Type of Insurance Do Labor Unions Need?
• What Does Labor Union Insurance Cover & Pay For?

AFL-CIO Affiliated Unions

• Actors' Equity Association (AEA)
• Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA)
• Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU)
• American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)
• American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM)
• American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA)
• American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
• American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
• American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA)
• American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA)
• American Postal Workers Union (APWU)
• American Radio Association (ARA)
• American Train Dispatchers Association (ATDA)
• Associated Actors and Artistes of America (4As)
• Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA)
• Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM)
• Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS)
• California School Employees Association (CSEA)
• Communications Workers of America (CWA)
• Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC)
• Glass, Molders, Pottery, Plastics & Allied Workers International Union (GMP-USW)
• Industrial Union of Electronic Workers (IUE-CWA)
• International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, Its Territories and Canada (IATSE)
• International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers (Ironworkers)
• International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)
• International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers (HFIU)
• International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM)
• International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART)
• International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers (IBB)
• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
• International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE)
• International Longshoremen's Association (ILA)
• International Plate Printers, Die Stampers and Engravers Union of North America (Plate Printers and Die Stampers)
• International Union of Allied Novelty and Production Workers (Novelty and Production Workers)
• International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC)
• International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC)
• International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE)
• International Union of Painters and Allied Trades of the United States and Canada (IUPAT)
• International Union of Police Associations (IUPA)
• Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA)
• Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (MEBA)
• NFL Players Association (NFLPA)
• National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA)
• National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians (NABET-CWA)
• National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC)
• National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM)
• National Nurses United (NNU)
• National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU)
• National Taxi Workers Alliance (NTWA)
• Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU)
• Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association of the United States and Canada (OPCMIA)
• Printing, Publishing and Media Workers, CWA (PPMW-CWA)
• Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS)
• Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU-UFCW)
• Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)
• Seafarers International Union of North America (SIU)
• The Guild of Italian American Actors (GIAA)
• The Newspaper Guild (TNG-CWA)
• Transport Workers Union of America (TWU)
• Transportation Communications International Union/IAM (TCU/IAM)
• UNITE HERE
• United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA)
• United Automobile, Aerospace & Agricultural Implement Workers of America International Union (UAW)
• United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW)
• United Mine Workers of America (UMWA)
• United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial & Service Workers International Union (USW)
• United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers (Roofers and Waterproofers)
• Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA)
• Writers Guild of America, East Inc. (WGAE)

Labor Union's Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposure is minor if limited to an office. If there is a union hall, visitors may be injured from slips and falls. Flooring should be in good condition, with no frayed or worn spots on carpet, and no cracks or holes in flooring. Steps and uneven floor surfaces should be prominently marked. Sufficient exits must be provided and be well marked with backup lighting systems in case of power failure.

If training is conducted on premises, there may be additional exposures due to the nature of that trade. If daycare is provided, background checks should be conducted on all daycare attendants. Children must be properly supervised at all times. Parking lots and sidewalks need to be in good repair with snow and ice removed, and generally level and free of exposure to slips and falls. If the hall is open after dark, lighting must be adequate both inside and outside the building.

The union hall may be a target for vandals, disgruntled members, or the public. There must be adequate security to prevent unauthorized entry. Any off-premises exposure from union activities must be evaluated. Personal injury exposure can arise from union activities, particularly if others do not share their viewpoint, and can include alleged assault and battery, discrimination, invasion of privacy, and unlawful detention. Employees must be trained to handle such situations properly.

Directors and officers exposure can be substantial as they are more likely to be sued for any adverse results of their decisions in times of economic downturn. Policies and procedures should be published and consistently followed, especially as they relate to membership, membership revocation, the election of officers, and removal of officers.

Liquor liability exposure arises if liquor is provided or sold during social events. Servers must be trained to recognize the effects of excessive alcohol consumption, to verify the age of those ordering alcoholic beverages, and to refuse service to underage members or guests.

Workers compensation exposure may be limited to office employees who may develop repetitive motion injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Workstations should be ergonomically designed. Any union employee attempting to start new union shops may be subject to intimidation by the management of the employer being targeted for union organization. Training in the handling of potentially escalating situations is important to avoid injury to union employees.

If the union hall houses other activities such as a restaurant or job training, employees may be injured by electric shocks, back sprains and strains, machinery, heat, extreme cold, respiratory illness, slips or falls, being hit by dropped objects, or falls from heights.

Property exposure comes from the office and the union hall. Ignition sources include electrical wiring, heating, and air conditioning systems, and cooking equipment. Electrical wiring must be up to date and meet codes for current use. If training takes place at the union hall, all exposures affecting that trade group should be evaluated to determine the increased potential for fire.

If the union hall serves food and drink, kitchen appliances should be protected with automatic shut-off valves and fire extinguishing agents. Housekeeping is critical, with grease filters cleaned and maintained regularly. Activist unions may antagonize others not supportive of their viewpoint and may become targets for acts of intimidation that include vandalism, arson, and firebombing. Additional security may be needed.

Crime exposure comes from employee dishonesty and theft of money and securities. Employee dishonesty coverage should be expanded to include volunteers as employees. Background checks should be conducted on all employees and volunteers handling funds. Receipts should be provided for all payments.

Regular audits, preferably by an independent accountant, must be performed to ensure that all funds are being properly handled. Duties must be separated to guarantee appropriate checks and balances. Unions hold the dues and pension funds in trust for the membership. Surety bonds are available to meet governmental obligations arising from this fiduciary responsibility.

Inland marine exposure comes from accounts receivable for dues collected from members' employers, computers, and valuable papers and records for historical documents, contracts, members' records, and minutes of active negotiations. All records must be duplicated and stored at an off-site location for easy restoration in the event of a loss. The union may need scheduled property floater coverage for items used in union organizing, meetings, and other activities.

Commercial auto exposure is generally limited to hired and non-owned auto for employees or volunteers running errands on behalf of the union. Some larger organizations may have full-time employees who must visit the workplaces of union members and assist in organizing new unions. If there is a private passenger fleet, all drivers should have valid licenses with MVRs regularly reviewed.

All vehicles should be maintained with records of the maintenance kept in a central location. If buses are rented to transport members to various functions, coverage should be evaluated based on where the buses are going, licenses and MVRs of drivers, and the contract with the organization that is supplying the bus.

What Does Labor Union Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Labor unions can be sued for various reasons. Some common reasons include:

Breach of contract: Unions may be sued if they fail to meet the terms of a collective bargaining agreement or if they don't properly represent their members. Insurance can help pay for the lawsuit by providing coverage for legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments related to such claims.

Unfair labor practices: If a union engages in activities that violate labor laws, such as coercion, intimidation, or discrimination, they can be sued. Insurance can provide protection by covering the legal defense and any financial penalties or settlements resulting from the lawsuit.

Financial mismanagement: If a union misuses or mismanages the funds entrusted to it, members or third parties can bring legal action against the union. Fiduciary liability insurance can help protect the union by covering legal defense costs and any settlements or judgments resulting from claims of financial mismanagement.

Defamation: A union may be sued if it makes false or damaging statements about an individual or another organization. Media liability insurance can help protect the union by covering the costs of defending against defamation claims and any settlements or judgments that may result.

Employment practices liability: Unions can be sued for various employment-related issues, such as harassment, discrimination, or wrongful termination. Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) can help protect the union by covering legal defense costs and any settlements or judgments arising from these claims.

Negligence: If a union is sued for negligence, such as providing inadequate representation or failing to fulfill its duty to its members, professional liability insurance can help cover the costs of defending against the claim, as well as any settlements or judgments.

Directors and officers liability: Union leaders may be held personally liable for their actions or decisions that result in harm to the union or its members. Directors and officers (D&O) liability insurance can help protect union leaders by covering legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments resulting from claims against them.

In summary, insurance can help protect labor unions from the financial impact of various types of lawsuits by covering legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments. Different types of insurance policies, such as fiduciary liability, media liability, EPLI, professional liability, and D&O liability insurance, can be tailored to the specific risks faced by a union.

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

• SIC CODE: 8631 Labor Unions and Similar Labor Organizations
• NAICS CODE: 813930 Labor Unions and Similar Labor Organizations
• Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 8755 Labor Union - All Employees

8631: Labor Unions and Similar Labor Organizations

Division I: Services | Major Group 86: Membership Organizations | Industry Group 863: Labor Unions And Similar Labor Organizations

8631 Labor Unions and Similar Labor Organizations: Membership organizations of workers for the improvement of wages and working conditions.

• Collective bargaining units
• Employees'associations for improvement of wages and working
• Labor organizations
• Labor unions
• Trade unions, local or national

Labor Union Insurance - The Bottom Line

To make sure that your union is properly protected, speak to an experienced insurance broker to find out exactly what type of labor union insurance coverage you need and how much coverage you should carry to protect your operations, leadership and members.

Additional Resources For Non-Profit Insurance

Find useful articles on business insurance for non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, charities and associations.

• Animal Shelter & Pet Rescue
• Charity
• Church
• Classic & Collector Car Clubs
• Fraternal Organization
• Goodwill Insustries
• Labor Union
• Libraries
• Nonprofit
• Parent Teacher Organization
• Public Administration
• Red Cross Chapters
• Salvation Army
• Social Work Services
• Veterans Groups
• Volunteers of America
• YMCA
• Youth Groups
• YWCA
• Specialty Community Service Organizations
• Specialty Nonprofit Agencies

The non-profit industry is an essential sector of society that plays a crucial role in addressing social issues, providing vital services, and promoting community development. Non-profits rely on donations, grants, and volunteer work to fund their operations, and any financial loss or liability can significantly impact their ability to serve their mission.

Insurance can protect non-profits from unexpected financial losses, accidents, and legal liabilities that can arise from their operations. For example, a non-profit organization may need insurance to cover damages to their property, injuries to volunteers or employees, or legal costs associated with lawsuits.

Non-profits also face unique risks such as loss of donations, damage to reputation, and loss of funding. Business insurance can help mitigate these risks by providing coverage for financial losses, reputational damage, and other non-tangible losses.

In addition, non-profits often work with vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities. Insurance can protect non-profits from liabilities arising from the care and services they provide to these populations.

Overall, commercial insurance is an essential component of risk management for non-profit organizations. It helps protect the organization's financial stability, reputation, and ability to fulfill its mission and serve its community.

Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Building, Business Personal Property, Business Income and Extra Expense, Employee Dishonesty, Money and Securities, Computers, Valuable Papers and Records, General Liability, Directors and Officers Liability, Employee Benefits, Professional, Umbrella, Hired and Non-owned Auto & Workers Compensation.

Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Earthquake, Equipment Breakdown, Flood, Computer Fraud, Forgery, Fine Arts, Musical Instruments, Commercial Articles Floater, Computers, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practices, Business Auto Liability and Physical Damage and Stop Gap Liability.