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Frequently Asked Questions

Where did Union Powered come from? How did we start?

Union Powered started as a custom-built system for a local in the steel sector.  They wanted a system to help them manage a large number of grievances, which we delivered.

Years later, a call came in from out West; someone had been looking for a Union software solution, and was so unhappy with the available solutions on the market, they searched for something better - and eventually found us.  From this, we took the custom system and turned it into a full-scale, enterprise-level solution for any union, in any sector.

What makes Union Powered different from other solutions available?

Union Powered gives you the power of an enterprise solution, with the personalization of custom-built software.   The core of Union Powered is your collective agreement(s): the specific clauses, timelines, processes, and requirements that you've bargained, that your members work to, and your staff manage on a regular basis.

Union Powered is the only system available based on your CAs in this way.   Other systems claim to provide a similar approach, but require you to continually key in things like due dates, process steps or communication recipients; with Union Powered, these and many other pieces of information are intrinsic, never have to be re-entered, and drive power and options that may surprise you!

UP Mobile App
Is it really free?

Yes, UP Mobile is free to use for all unions

Are there any limits on usage?

We are happy to integrate one Collective Agreement (CA) for free, for each union that signs up. Otherwise, at this time, there are no limits on usage – feel free to post as many announcements or messages as you like!

Is there a Premium Version?

UP Mobile Premium is coming soon and will include exciting additional features and functionality for unions.

How is UP Mobile different from the Union Powered enterprise system?

The UP Mobile app is a relatively focused smartphone app to help unions better engage with their members, whereas the Union Powered enterprise system is a full-scale union-management platform, supporting unions with things like grievance processing, arbitration, job evaluation, bargaining, member management, dues, and many other modules and features.

What happens to the app if we purchase the Union Powered system?

Union Powered clients will have the ability to upgrade to UP Mobile Enterprise, a version of the app that is fully integrated with the Union Powered enterprise system.

Using UP Mobile
How do I sign up?
How do we get our Collective Agreement(s) into the app?

Your union Administrator may submit your Collective Agreement (CA), which we will integrate into your app (please allow from a few days to several weeks, depending on volume and demand)

Can I belong to two different Unions in the app?

Yes; if you are invited by administrators from 2 different locals /unions, you will be able to toggle between unions from the Account screen.

What happens to the app if we purchase the Union Powered system?

Union Powered clients will have the ability to upgrade to UP Mobile Enterprise, a version of the app that is fully integrated with the Union Powered enterprise system.

Cost
How is Union Powered priced, and how much does it cost?

There are two main costs associated with Union Powered - a one-time implementation, and an "all-in" monthly subscription.  Costs depend on the number and complexity of your collective agreements, the number of members covered, and the level of system functionality (modules purchased based on your needs).  We seek to keep fees as reasonable and affordable as possible.

Since each union and each local is unique, a personalized cost estimate is provided after an evaluation.

What's included in the monthly fee?

The monthly fee is "all-in".  It covers access to the software; all future updates; all service and support; and all data hosting.

Are there hidden costs (like most software)?

Unlike most other software companies - including many of our competitors! - with Union Powered there are absolutely NO hidden fees!  In cases of extreme complexity (e.g. difficult data extraction or integration of a legacy system, or significant custom development) any fees would be discussed in advance of contract signing, to the extent the complexities are identified early.

By the way, most common "hidden fees" to look  for with other union software companies include things like hosting, support, training, updates, quality assurance, technical reviews, auditing, and repairs.

Why is Union Powered available as a Subscription, instead of as something we install locally?

The "traditional" model of buying software is to buy a license, which allowed you to install a version on your computer.  As software programs got bigger and more complicated, they required entire servers, which then required people to manage them.  Today, that "traditional" model often requires you to have an entire IT department, and you can easily spend as much or more on your IT infrastructure than you do on the software itself (not to mention having to stay up to date on things like new hardware, viruses, etc.).   And then, when it’s time to upgrade to a new version, it’s often like buying an entirely new solution.

Union Powered does it differently.  We take all that work and cost away from you.  All you need is an internet connection, and you have access to the latest version of the software and all your data.  You don’t need servers, or storage, or IT experts on staff.  It’s another way we make upgrading your local easy.

Can we expect savings if we install Union Powered?

Each customer is unique, but our customers have experienced financial savings ranging from reduced legal expenses, lower staffing requirements, fewer contracts, and avoided DNR fines and levies.  Of course, that's in addition to saved staff time, which can be used elsewhere, as well as the financial gains that accrue over time from more grievance and bargaining wins.

Group Buy
Can multiple Locals purchase together? Is there a savings?

Multiple locals can indeed purchase together.  There are savings, primarily in terms of avoided implementation fees that each local would otherwise have to bear individually.  There are also many benefits in terms of information sharing, sharing of templates, and group-level reporting and analysis.

Can we expand later to other locals within our Union?

Yes, locals can be added to a Group over time (or removed, if ever necessary).

How does data sharing work when multiple Locals buy together?

Your data in Union Powered is governed by security settings, which allow you full control over who sees what data, down to the level of an individual.  You can also audit data access and changes anytime.

Data
Is our data secure?

Yes; Union Powered prioritizes data integrity and security.  We protect your data in multiple ways including best-practice hacking defense and data management protocols and personal security settings managed by users.

Can we host our own data?

Yes, you may choose to host your own data on your own servers.  There is a modest reduction in subscription cost, but you are responsible to purchase and maintain on-premises storage.

Installation
How long does it take to install, and what is the process?

Installation occurs in 3 main phases:  A 'Needs Assessment', where we assess your unique complexities and requirements based primarily on discussions and a review of your collective agreements; the Implementation phase, where an instance of Union Powered is set up specifically for you with your CA's and all the personalization and customization options for your local, including data conversion and report development; and Training.

In a typical install, the Needs Assessment takes from 2-4 weeks, Implementation takes from 6-10 weeks, and Training from 1-4 weeks (depending on number of people needing to be trained and their availability).  Timelines can change depending on the availability of key people and documents.

Is it hard to learn the software?

No, it’s not – just ask our customers!  Most of our users agree the system is very intuitive, with easy-to-understand menus and obvious buttons / options laid out in a familiar way.  (Many customers find it so easy to use, they opt out of much of the training during implementation).  The fact is, Union Powered is designed specifically to make your life easier, and that includes learning the system in the first place!

Can we start small?

Yes - Union Powered is designed to be modular, meaning your can add modules later.