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Your Right to Organize a Union

What is a union?
A union is a group of workers who have organized themselves in order to gain the legal right to negotiate with management regarding working conditions and wages. A union is the way we—as workers—have power at work.

Why does management oppose the union?
Management knows that when we have a union they will no longer be able to show favoritism, discriminate or issue unfair discipline. Management also knows that workers will be able to demand and fight for decent wages and benefits.

What protections do we have if we decide to organize a union?
When choosing to join a union, workers are protected by federal law. The National Labor Relations Act protects workers when management interferes with their right to organize by employing harassment, threats or intimidation.

Can we actually win real changes in the workplace?
By working together, we can build the power necessary to make changes in the workplace and win wage increases and benefits. We can also build a strong organization of workers to address issues with management and win a voice on the job, respect and strength. As a union,we elect a committee of workers to negotiate with management. Without a union, our pay, benefits and future are in the hands of our bosses.

Why do we pay union dues?
Union members pay dues once they win a union contract. Before they pay dues, members must unionize, then negotiate a contract and finally vote to accept the contract. Members pay dues because it takes resources to win improvements from big corporations. Union dues also finance campaigns to ensure that the majority of the industries where we work are unionized so that non-union employers don't pose a threat to our gains. Dues are also used to offer members services such as legal arbitration, representation and training.

How do we get a union? 
There are many legal ways to win a union at your workplace. One process is called "card check." Employees sign union cards and a neutral third party checks the cards against the employer's list. If a majority of workers sign cards, the employees win the union. This is the quickest and fairest way to unionize; it’s used by numerous unions and honored by a number of employers.

Another process for unionization is through an election. However, this is a lengthy process and companies can slow an election down with all sorts of legal maneuvers. Moreover, even if workers vote for the union through an election, the company can contest the results of the election and stall the process even more.

What if the company refuses to allow workers to decide freely if they want a union? 
We must take action. We need to attend meetings, participate in picket lines and marches, talk to our co-workers and stand together to demand that our rights be respected. Companies usually try to scare workers by threatening or harassing union supporters. This is illegal and charges can be filed. Actions and demonstrations are very effective because they tell employers and the public that we are willing to fight for our rights.