How to Organize a Union Where You Work | |
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Interested in organizing a union in your workplace? Under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) you have the legal right to form a union in your workplace. The NLRA says:
To get a union started, the first thing you need to do is talk to your co-workers. Do they share the same concerns you have? Or, do they have other issues? Is there a common theme to these concerns such as lack of respect and dignity; lack of a voice in the workplace; unfair treatment; and/or wages and benefits lower than other people working in the same industry? Workers Create Their Own OrganizationOur experience tells us that it's best when workers organize themselves if they are to create a viable organization in their workplace. IUE-CWA organizers and staff can help. But it's the workers who must join together and build their organization. After talking with your co-workers to find out their issues, you can call the IUE-CWA to talk with a union organizer. He or she will set up a meeting with you and some of your co-workers. Together, you will create a plan for a organizing a union in your workplace. A Typical Organizing CampaignThe campaign will consist of talking with co-workers about the union, asking them to sign a petition of support. When there is a strong majority of support (65% of employees have signed the petition of support), the union will file for an election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Usually, the NLRB will then meet with the union and the employer to establish the criteria for employees who will be eligible to vote in the union election. The NLRB sets a date for a secret ballot election. What You Can DoUnder Section 7 of the NLRA, you have the legal right to: Bargaining a ContractAfter the union's election victory is officially certified by the NLRB, your employer is legally required to negotiate in "good faith" with the union on a written contract covering wages, hours, and other working conditions. Public WorkersSome public workers do not have the right to bargain collectively. However, they do have the right to form a union and work together to lobby for better wages and working conditions. Contact the IUE-CWA to find out the laws in your state. Contact UsIf you're interested in organizing a union in your workplace, call us at 410-247-1234 or e-mail us a message. An organizer will contact you. He or she can set up a meeting with you and some of your co-workers to discuss the possibility of a union in your workplace.
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