Members of labor unions and fraternal organizations face unique stressors that can negatively affect their mental health or trigger substance use issues. At the same time, they also enjoy the unique benefits that union membership confers, such as:
- Better wages and job benefits (especially healthcare insurance coverage) via “collective bargaining”
- Better job security and just representation of their employee rights
- Safer working conditions
Together, these supports can help union members and their loved ones access better care for mental health and substance use disorders and, in turn, healthier outcomes.
In the sections that follow, we’ll take a closer look at the unique needs of union members and what services can address these specific issues. We’ll also explore the benefits of seeking care for this population and the issue of stigma—specifically how it can pose barriers to treatment. Lastly, we’ll provide some resources specific to union members and their families, for those looking for more support and information.
Understanding the Unique Needs of Union Members
At most times, being in a union means you experience the benefits of membership without additional challenges. However, there are certain times when being part of a trade union comes with unique stressors.
When First Unionizing
Talks about unionizing can be met by resistance and intimidation from management. Bosses may seek to discourage, confuse, or frighten workers, and this pressure can create stress, conflict, and anxiety.
During Negotiations
Negotiating a contract with owners can also increase workplace stress. Although a union can provide individual members with tangibly more bargaining power, workers can still be at a disadvantage when bargaining with billion-dollar corporations with endless resources.
In this process, labor laws may be broken, leaving little recourse for union members to enforce these laws. This can lead to a sense of helplessness.
Many companies also drag out negotiations as a bargaining tactic. This causes the conflict and stress to continue long-term, adding to the impact on mental health.
During Strikes
There are multiple reasons why going on strike can trigger mental health issues for union members, starting with the financial stress that results from not drawing a paycheck. This can lead to family conflict and arguments about money. As the outcome of the strike isn’t a foregone conclusion, uncertainty can also add to anxiety.
Union members on strike may also be angrily confronted by those who resent that their favorite show is off the air or that their commute to work has been disrupted.
Being locked out by management comes with many of the same issues, and research has found mental health outcomes are poorer among workers on lockout.
Services Tailored for Union Members’ Needs
Union members may need added support, especially when organizing. Unions that offer therapy during these times can help members manage the stress and its mental health toll and improve their self-care and coping skills.
Trade union counseling can also be offered to those walking the picket lines and those staying home from work. These may be times when people look to alcohol or drugs to manage stress and its effects. Mental health support can help stop a substance use disorder before it has a significant impact on people’s lives.
Labor union therapy services can also lessen the effect of depression, relationship stress and anxiety on strikers. Teaching people how to cope with uncertainty and talk about money issues may have a large impact on how well they handle industrial action.
Sometimes, a union member will need more intensive treatment for a mental health issue like anxiety or depression, and often there will be a co-occurring condition like insomnia. Treatment tailored for the union member’s needs will therefore consist of services that address these co-occurring conditions at the same time.
Benefits of Seeking Care for Union Members
What are the benefits of seeking care for union members?
While every union is unique, many unions have union-negotiated healthcare plans that offer better-quality mental health and addiction services. This should be good news for union members with addictions or other mental health conditions. Although employees may not be fully aware of the ins and outs of this coverage, they may have a plan that offers substantial benefits and more than one behavioral health treatment option.
In addition to better health benefits and more treatment options, many members enjoy easier, more convenient access to mental health services, at a time when these services are in high demand. Often, unions offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or Member Sssistance Programs (MAPs) that can provide referrals to therapists and treatment programs.
Meanwhile, thanks to added job security, union members can seek intensive mental health or drug or alcohol treatment with more peace of mind that their job will be waiting for them upon their return. This added job protection, thanks to union bargaining power, may mean that a member is able to take an extended leave of absence without fear of reprisal. The benefit here is that they can focus all their energy on the treatment and recovery process.
It is not hard to see how these union-specific supports might improve treatment outcomes for members. That may be one implication of research that suggests mental health among unionized employees is generally better than that of non-unionized employees. A study in March 2020 found highly unionized states had fewer deaths from overdose and suicide, for example.
Remember, the sooner an employee comes to their union for help, the more likely they will be able to prevent their condition from worsening. Access to treatment and rehab stays are typical parts of union benefits, but the benefit doesn’t occur until a suffering employee seeks the help they need to achieve recovery.
Stigma and Overcoming Barriers to Mental Health Treatment
Though unionized workplaces generally have better healthcare benefits and more mental healthcare options than nonunionized workplaces, there are still barriers to seeking mental health help as a union member:
- One barrier is lack of knowledge about what resources are available. It is not always obvious what union membership confers in the way of health benefits and other supports.
- In some industries, there’s a stigma about mental health issues. This is especially true of industries that are more traditionally male-dominated.
- Fear of job loss is another big barrier to treatment. It leads the field, along with concerns about finances.
- Confidentiality concerns can also prevent a union member from seeking treatment, especially those who require longer treatment and who may be worried about people knowing why they’re not at work.
With respect to this last point, workers have a right to confidentiality, and the reason you need time off can and should remain private. The “Americans with Disabilities Act” states that you cannot get fired for seeking mental health treatment, and your union should step up and fight for you if the company discriminates against you for your health.
Finally, unions can take action to help lessen the stigma of mental illness and encourage people to seek care. Education is still the best way to overcome stigma, and talking about the benefits of mental health care can encourage people to seek it out.
Resources for Union Members: EAPs/MAPs, Union Stewards, and Providers Like FHE Health
As mentioned, a union-contracted EAP or MAP can be a good resource for union members. These employee assistance resources may offer services like free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, and guidance for personal or job-related issues.
Unions often have designated representatives whom employees can contact for questions regarding healthcare benefits. Union stewards can help connect members with appropriate resources.
Unions may also contract with service providers like FHE Health for an added layer of assistance for their members. These employee assistance services can include:
- trusted treatment referrals (for both members and their families)
- personalized advice about what to do after a failed drug test (for example, how to keep one’s job and/or professional license after positive results come back)
- help with an intervention for a family member with a drug or alcohol problem
- extra measures to protect the privacy of those who seek treatment (who would rather not share their situation with union leadership out of concern about the potential consequences for their job)
There have been many cases where union members have felt more comfortable contacting FHE Health directly to receive job-related advice. Sometimes a union member will take this step to ensure total confidentiality regarding substance abuse or mental health issues—and because there is an added layer of job protection built into the process.
Answers and Guidance from Behavioral Health Experts
In addition to your union representative, FHE Health is here to help union members. Our experts are familiar with the mental health and substance use issues that union members face, as well as the barriers that can keep them from seeking care. If you need caring and confidential guidance for yourself or a loved one, reach out anytime.
