Frequently Asked Questions About Organizing

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What rights under the law do we have to form a union?

You have the right under Federal law to:

• Self-organization;

• To form, join or assist a labor organization;

• To bargain collectively through representatives of your own choosing; and

• To act together for the purposes of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection.

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How does the government protect my rights?

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), an agency of the Federal Government, applies rules under federal law which are intended to keep employees’ rights to organize into a union fair and honest. Each state has their own respective boards that offer similar protections. If an employer acts in such a way as to interfere with your right to help organize a union, charges can be filed against the company with the NLRB. Where appropriate, the NLRB provides remedies such as reinstatement for employees fired for exercising their rights including back pay.

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What are examples of employer conduct that interferes with the rights of employees?

• Threatening loss of jobs or benefits by an employer or a union.

• Misstating important facts by a union or an employer where the other party does not have a chance to reply.

• Promising or granting promotions, pay raises, or other benefits to influence an employee’s vote by a party capable of carrying out such promises.

• An employer firing employees to discourage or encourage union activity.

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Is there a quicker way for us to gain the union as our bargaining representative?

Yes, if the company would agree to a “voluntary recognition.” This is where the union and company agree for an impartial third party to verify the union’s claim that they have a majority of the employees signed on authorization cards. This is done through a “card check,” in which only the impartial third party, who is not a company representative, sees the signed authorization cards.

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Is it true that the union is run by “outsiders”?

You are the union; you elect your own officers. You run your own local union affairs. Every UWUA local is autonomous. You elect your own negotiating committee; the National Union will provide you with skilled negotiators to assist you. You make the decisions on your own union contract. You choose your own stewards. You decide important policies and actions of your own union by a majority vote. You are the final vote of authority in your union.

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What is the union contract?

A union contract is a document that is binding by law, negotiated with the employer and provides for wage benefits hours and general working conditions.

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When we win union certification, will the employer have to negotiate with us?

Yes, federal law saws that the employer must negotiate “in good faith.”

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Is there any limit to what we can ask for regarding wages or benefits?

No. Keep in mind, that what you ask for should be reasonable and justified.

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Who will do the negotiating?

The employer and their labor relations representatives and an advisory committee elected by you along with your local union and National representatives.

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Do we have to accept what has been negotiated?

No, when negotiations progress to the point where the committee feels that the best agreement has been reached, a report is made to the membership. If the membership approves the results of the negotiations, the committee is then authorized to sign the agreement. If the membership rejects the results of the negotiations, it then votes upon a course of action to secure a satisfactory agreement. The National is a party to all collective bargaining contracts.