5 Common Challenges in Union Dispatching – And How to Solve Them
Discover New Solutions to Common Union Dispatch Problems
Schedule Your Free Demo of Union Impact Software Today!
Managing a Union is Not Easy
Dispatching union members efficiently is one of the most critical and complex tasks union locals face. When done right, it connects skilled members with jobs quickly, strengthens trust, and keeps operations running smoothly. But when dispatch systems break down, the ripple effects can hurt productivity, member satisfaction, and contractor relationships.
At Union Impact, we’ve worked with union locals across industries to modernize their dispatch processes. Here are five common challenges union locals face in dispatching—and how modern software can solve them.
Union Impact Was Custom Built for Unions to Address Union Management Needs
1. Manual Processes That Waste Time
The problem:
Many locals still rely on outdated tools like spreadsheets, whiteboards, and handwritten notes to track job requests and member availability. This leads to duplicated work, lost time, and constant follow-up.
The solution:
Union Impact automates the dispatch workflow by centralizing job requests, member data, and availability into one platform. With real-time updates and searchable databases, dispatchers can assign jobs in minutes—not hours. Custom rulesets can also be built in to reflect local-specific policies.
💡 Bonus Tip: Automating dispatch can reduce administrative workload by up to 40%.
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2. Poor Communication With Members
The problem:
When members don’t receive timely updates or accurate information about job assignments, it creates confusion, frustration, and missed opportunities.
The solution:
Modern dispatch software like Union Impact enables two-way communication. Dispatch alerts can be sent via email, SMS, or push notifications instantly. Members can also log in to check their dispatch status, update availability, or respond to job offers directly through a secure portal.
🛠️ No more playing phone tag or missing urgent dispatch calls.
3. Lack of Transparency and Trust
The problem:
Without clear audit trails or accessible records, members may question how dispatch decisions are made. This can lead to disputes, grievances, or distrust in leadership.
The solution:
Union Impact creates a detailed digital audit log of every dispatch decision—who was contacted, who accepted, when it was logged, and why certain members were prioritized (e.g., by seniority or skill match). This promotes fairness and makes it easy to resolve any disputes with facts, not guesswork.
🔍 Transparency builds long-term member confidence in the dispatch system.
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4. Difficulty Managing Certifications and Qualifications
The problem:
Sending a member without the right credentials to a job site can cause compliance issues or put safety at risk. Keeping certifications up to date manually is labor-intensive and prone to error.
The solution:
Union Impact includes certification tracking, automatic expiration alerts, and qualification-based dispatch filters. Dispatchers can only assign jobs to members who meet the requirements—helping ensure safety and compliance from day one.
📁 Keep records organized and eliminate certification gaps that lead to liability.
5. Inflexibility Across Locals and Trades
The problem:
Every union local has different bylaws, dispatch rules, and job workflows. Many off-the-shelf dispatch systems don’t offer the customization unions need.
The solution:
Union Impact is built with flexibility at its core. We configure your dispatch system to mirror your exact rules—whether you need referral slips, rotation lists, job holding periods, or other union-specific workflows. It’s a powerful tool designed for unions, not retrofitted for them.
⚙️ Your local’s rules, your way—without compromising efficiency.
We are an American based company and our software is stored on US based servers.
Schedule Your Free Demo of Union Impact Software Today!
Since 2006, our company has been faithfully serving hardworking union halls across North America.
With nearly two decades of hands-on experience, we understand the unique challenges unions face—and we’re proud to provide powerful, tailored solutions that make a real impact.
Bringing It All Together
Union dispatching doesn’t have to be stressful, slow, or error-prone. By switching to a modern, union-specific dispatch platform like Union Impact, your local can:
- Automate tedious tasks
- Improve member communication
- Eliminate disputes with transparent logs
- Keep qualifications organized
- Respect your dispatch rules while saving time
Whether you’re a small local with a few dozen members or a large organization managing hundreds of dispatches per month, the right tools make all the difference.
Ready to Modernize Your Dispatching?
Let Union Impact help you overcome your dispatching challenges. Compared to other software our solutions are flexible and fully customizable to fit your workflows and needs. Contact us today for a free demo and see how we’re helping union locals across North America streamline their operations.
