What Is Union Bug Printing?
If you support a specific labour union, you should be familiar with the incorporation of the union bug. Also known as a small emblem or logo, a union bug has many benefits such as improving union recognition and building consumer awareness.
In this blog, we will cover what union bug printing is, why it is important, and how it is used by unions.
Click on each corresponding link to jump ahead.
To learn more about the importance of union bug printing and how to implement them on your print products, contact JH French today.
If you are looking to fulfill more of your union printing needs through the implementation of union newsletters or union pamphlets, check out two of our recent blogs titled “How to Put Together a Union Newsletter” and “Printing Union Pamphlets: A Guide”.
You can rely on JH French for your union bug printing requirements.
Union Bug Printing
1. What Is Union Bug Printing?
Union bug printing refers to a printing practice that involves incorporating a small emblem or logo, commonly known as a “union bug,” on printed materials. The union bug signifies that the printing job was completed by a unionized shop or by workers who are members of a labour union.
Some printing materials that commonly include a union bug include:
Typically, the union bug typically consists of a small image or text, such as a circle with the word “union” or a specific logo with the word “union” beside it. These bugs are usually placed in a discreet location on the printed material, such as the bottom corner or the back of the document.
For example, consider the following image:
The union bug for the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) | Image source: CLC
This union bug above belongs to the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). As you can see, this labour bug clearly states the name of the union in both English and French. It also shows two hands holding the globe which symbolizes working together and the process of negotiation.
Now imagine this union bug on the bottom right corner of your union calendar or brochure. Not only is this bug easy to recognize, but it is also shaped in a way that is practical for print products.
2. Why Is Union Bug Printing Important?
Union bugs are historically significant and they symbolize union representation.
Union bugs are considered important for several reasons. Continue reading to learn more.
They Are a Symbol of Union Representation
Union bugs serve as a recognizable symbol that indicates a product was produced by unionized workers. More specifically, it indicates that the workers involved in the printing process are protected by things like:
Collective Bargaining Agreements
Fair Wages
Benefits
Established Labour Standards
By purchasing print products that include a union bug, consumers can feel good knowing that they are supporting workers’ rights.
Branding and Identity
The union bug also helps to establish a brand identity for unions and their affiliated businesses. Consumers are far more likely to purchase products from a brand/union they are familiar with, therefore increase consumer familiarity by implementing a union bug on your print products. A union bug represents values such as:
Solidarity
Worker Empowerment
Fair Labour Practices
Therefore, by including a union bug on your print products, the presence of the union is reinforced among consumers and the general public.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The history of modern labour unions is rocky and hard-fought. Beginning in the United Kingdom, around 1760-1830, during the industrial revolution, the labour movement was implemented to advocate for workers’ rights. Prior to the implementation of labour unions, the working class struggled with poor working conditions and insufficient wages.
Given this turbulent history, union bugs serve as a reminder of the achievements, struggles, and progress made by unions in the fight for workers’ rights. Including a union bug on your print materials demonstrates that you support the ongoing commitment to improving working conditions and fair treatment for workers.
3. How Is Union Bug Printing Used by Unions?
Union bugs serve to promote unions and build upon consumer awareness.
Once you understand why union bug printing is important, it becomes much easier to know how unions use them to their advantage.
Continue reading to learn more.
Union Promotion
Unions often incorporate union bugs on print materials like brochures, flyers, and calendars and distribute them during union events, rallies, conferences, and in workplaces. By distributing print materials that contain their union bug, these unions are able to promote the union’s:
Mission
Values
Benefits of Membership
All in all, the bug serves as a visual representation of the union’s positive involvement in workers rights and once unions understand this, they can use it in a way that benefits their brand.
Consumer Awareness
Another reason how unions benefit from the union bug is that it improves the awareness of the consumer.
Most unions encourage consumers to support businesses that employ unionized workers or produce goods and services under union labour conditions. By incorporating the bug on packaging, labels, or advertisements, unions are able to inform consumers about the union involved in the production process.
As mentioned in the brand recognition section above, some consumers are more likely to purchase products from unions because they know they are supporting workers’ rights and freedoms.
Collective Bargaining Campaigns
Unions can also use these bugs to their advantage during collective bargaining campaigns. In this case, unions negotiate with employers on behalf of workers. Bug printing can be used strategically to generate public awareness about the issues at hand.
For instance, union members may wear clothing items or carry signs with the bug to demonstrate their support for the union’s demands.
Trust JH French for Your Union Bug Printing Needs
Experienced, Passionate, and Honest.
We’ve been serving Hamilton, Ontario, and organizations across Canada for over a century.
We offer cutting-edge modern printing techniques, as well as dozens of different print products and services.
For printing union bugs or any other union printing needs, trust JH French, the union printing specialist.
What Our Customers Are Saying…
“I was recently connected with Glen and everyone at JH French and I couldn’t be happier with the reference. Personal, friendly and professional. When I received my prints I couldn’t have been happier with the results. Real pros who know how to get it done.”