Get the facts!
HOW DOES THE UNION WORK?"
A union
is a democratic organization of a majority of the employees in a facility. The
basic idea of union is that by joining together with fellow employees to form a
union, workers have a greater ability to improve conditions at the worksite. In
other words, "in unity there is strength."
"WHO RUNS THE UNION? THE COMPANY SAYS THAT THE UNION IS JUST A BUNCH OF
OUTSIDERS - A THIRD PARTY."
You run
your own union. You elect your own negotiating committee and prepare your own
list of improvements for a union contract. You elect your own officers and job
stewards. The union is not "outsiders," it is you, the worker.
"HOW MUCH ARE DUES?"
The
dues will depend upon what the local needs to operate efficiently and
effectively. However, the dues will be set by you, as a local union, with the
exception of the International portion of the dues, which is set and voted by
all Local Unions at the International Convention every five (5) years. However,
no dues are paid until the majority of workers vote to accept a contract they
helped to negotiate. All initiation fees will be waived for members in newly
organized units.
"WHERE DO UNION DUES GO?"
The
union dues are divided between the International Union and the workers' own
local union, which will have its own treasury. Dues are used to run the union
and keep it strong.
"WILL THE UNION MAKE US GO ON STRIKE?"
No one
can force you to go out on strike. There can only be a strike at your facility
if a majority of the workers at your company vote to go on strike. Over 98% of
all union contracts are negotiated without a strike. Wise unions only strike
when they know they can win.
"CAN I GET FIRED FOR HELPING THE UNION OR FOR ATTENDING A UNION MEETING?"
It is
illegal for you to be fired, punished or harassed for attending union meetings
or for supporting a union. The law protects your right as workers to improve
your working conditions.
"WHAT BENEFITS CAN THE UNION GUARANTEE?"
The
union can only guarantee one thing; with the support, strength, and unity of the
workers, working together we will win the best wage and benefit package
possible.
"WILL I LOSE THE BENEFITS I HAVE NOW?"
No, it
is against the law for the company to take away any benefits you now have in
order to punish you for voting for a union.
"WHAT ABOUT UNION CORRUPTION AND DISHONESTY?"
The
company would like you to think that all union officials everywhere are corrupt.
Most unions are decent, honest organizations dedicated to improving the lives of
working people. Unions aren't perfect - nothing is. At least union officials are
elected, and bad ones can be voted out. Remember, you, the employees are the
union.
"WILL THE SHOP FACILITY CLOSE IF I VOTE FOR A UNION?"
It is
against the law for the company to close or threaten to close because of union
activity. Remember, companies go out of business because people stop buying
their product, not because their workers are treated fairly.
"WHAT IF MY EMPLOYER CAN'T AFFORD A UNION CONTRACT?"
No one
wants your company to close, especially a real union, one that represents the
best interest of its workers. If the company says they can't afford the wage and
benefit increase that the workers want, we say it must prove its poverty by
showing the union its financial records. Then we can make decisions together
based on real information instead of company propaganda.
"WHAT CAN WE EXPECT THE COMPANY TO DO TO TRY TO GET US TO VOTE AGAINST THE
UNION?"
Usually
the company tries to influence employees with scare-talk, anti-union speeches
and letters. On the other hand, be prepared for the company to be on their best
behavior until the campaign is over. Some companies even make improvements
during a union campaign, hoping employees will forget about their past
problems. To read what the Company will say,
click here.
"DOES THE COMPANY HAVE TO NEGOTIATE IF THE UNION WINS?"
Yes.
The law requires the company to bargain "in good faith" with the committee which
the employees elect.
"IS IT EASY TO GET A UNION IN?"
No, it
takes the work of employees who are dedicated to helping their coworkers. And it
takes the active involvement of as many employees as possible.
The Company will say a lot of things to keep you from gaining your rights!
Reference
Sources:
National Labor Relations Act
The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959
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