Frequently Asked Questions Q. What is a union?A. A union is a group of workers who form an organization to gain: Q. How do we go about getting a union in our workplace? A. The first step is to form a committee among the workers with representatives from each department and shift. The committee's job is to attend meetings and educate themselves about the Union. Then they can educate their co-workers, and help dispel false information spread by management. Next, the majority of the employees must sign cards stating they want to have a Union in their workplace. After a majority of workers have signed up, the Union can ask the employer to recognize the Union, or file a petition for an election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). When the Union files for an election, then the employees have a chance to vote for the Union in a secret ballot election conducted by the government. If the Union wins a majority of votes, and the employer does not challenge the vote on legal grounds, then the Union can begin the process of negotiating a collective bargaining agreement (contract).
A. It means you want the Union. Please do not sign just to get an election. The card is a commitment of support.
Q. Can I be fired for participating in the campaign? A. First of all, the law prohibits your employer from discriminating against workers in any way because of their Union activity. If an employer does harass or discriminate against a Union supporter, the Union files a charge with the Labor Board, and prosecutes the employer to the fullest extent. The best safeguard against the employer harassing anyone is for everyone to stick together and organize a Union. Without a Union, management has a free hand to treat people as they please. But with a Union, everyone has the protection of a Union contract and representation in the workplace.
Q. Who runs the union? A. The Union is a democratic organization run by the members. You will elect your own officers. You vote on all issues important to you. You vote on your contract. Union members elect delegates to the International convention, where delegates elect officers and vote on major issues affecting the Union such as constitutional amendments. Remember, the Union is the people themselves.
Q. I've heard a rumor the company could close if the union comes in. A. Companies do not go out of business because they have a Union, or because the workers are treated fairly. Companies close because of market conditions or poor management. This is a scare tactic employers use to keep people from gaining a voice on the job. More non-Union companies close each year than unionized companies. Government studies have shown that a unionized firm is no more likely to close than any other company. With a Union contract, fair wages and working conditions, and a voice on the job, workers are more productive, and the company will probably do better, not worse. Another thing to keep in mind is that it is against the law for an employer to threaten to close down a company to discourage workers from organizing a Union.
Q. Won't it cost the employer a lot of money if the union comes in? A. In the short run, it's true that Unions cost employers more in terms of wages and benefits. But in the long run, that doesn't necessarily hurt the employer. Many Unions are good for employers as well as for the workers. The reason is simple. With a Union, there is higher morale, and there is a mechanism for workers to have a voice in how the workplace operates. Satisfied employees are more productive and less likely to quit, so there is less turnover. Also, management benefits when it gets input from the workers on how the operation could be run better.
Q. The company says the union is just after our dues money. Why should we pay money to the union? A. Union dues go to help pay for expert services for the Local Union members, including negotiators and lawyers; to pay for the salaries of the staff, including representatives who will service your facility on a weekly basis to handle problems and questions about your contract; organizers, who help employees such as you form a Union in their workplace; to provide newsletters and training conferences; and for all of the day to day expenses of operating the Union office. It doesn't cost, it pays, to belong! Not belonging to a Union can be expensive when you are laid off, discharged or passed by a promotion time UNFAIRLY. Only a Union contract gives you a VOICE . . .a chance to have YOUR SIDE heard and guarantees fair treatment to everyone in the workplace. One other thing to keep in mind is, since when is your employer so concerned about how you spend your money?
Q. The company says there will be a strike if we organize. A. Management talks a lot about strikes during an organizing drive. But did you know that 98% of all Union contracts are settled without a strike? There could only be a strike if the employees vote for the strike by a 2/3 majority. And it's only smart to vote for a strike if you know you can win. The employer doesn't want a strike any more than the workers or the Union does, so everyone has an incentive to reach a compromise during bargaining. Unions have developed a lot of other tactics that can put pressure on management to reach an agreement. For examples, Unions use boycotts or corporate campaigns or community support, rather than necessarily having to resort to striking. Remember, management would prefer to keep employees thinking about non-issues such as strikes. The real issues are job security, representation, and equal treatment.
Q. What will be in our contract? A. It is for the employees to decide what to negotiate for. After you win Union recognition, you will elect a negotiating committee from among your co-workers. This committee will survey the workers to see what you want in your contract. Then, with the assistance of Union negotiators, the committee will sit down with management to negotiate a contract. The law says that both sides must bargain "in good faith" to reach an agreement on wages, benefits and working conditions. The contract will only take effect after it is approved (ratified) by a majority of the workers. It is not possible to know what will be in the first contract. Our goal will be to win improvements with each contract.
Q. The company says the union can't guarantee us anything. A. The Union can guarantee this: That when workers stick together as a Union, they have more bargaining power and more of a voice than they do as individuals. When the Union wins, you will negotiate a contract with the employer. We can make no promises on what the contract will contain --- that is for you to decide when you vote on your contract. We can guarantee the contract will be legally binding, and the Union will make sure the contract is enforced.
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