Union organizer?

[Wcross]

Hi,
I am thinking of attempting to gain union representation for myself and fellow low level staff people at the plant I work at.The production workers are already under the steelworkers (USWA), and there is another plant 40 miles away in the same state at which people in my type of position are in the bargining unit along with the production workers.
I am kind of worried about if the attempt fails- I know it is illegal but they would get rid of me for sure.
Has anyone tried something similar? I have nothing to lose.
My manager is blocking me from promotion because I made the mistake of doing a good job at a job nobody wanted to do.(I have proof) I have requested a transfer to a production job, blocked again. The only choice they have given me is to quit or suffer. I currently earn 2/3 of what the production workers earn, to mollify me, they increased my pay by 2.5% this year. It could have been worse, they didn't give anyone else in the dept a raise at all (Normal for these managers).

Sorry for the rant- I am dis-grunteled.

[Township75]

1. What state are you in?

I can't help you much, but I think regardless of who does offer help, what they say may depend on what state you are in

[VaLabor]

2. GO FOR IT!

This is a great idea (you should have done it earlier)!

First of all, your concern that you could be fired for trying to form or join a union is understandable.

You're right, however, that it is absolutely illegal to fire an employee for exercising his/her right to form/join a union. The law protecting you is a federal law called the National Labor Relations Act.

But just because it's illegal doesn't mean an employer won't break the law. The difference in your case, however, is that your employer is already unionized. It understands the law and won't have a knee-jerk reaction to the organizing attempt. Also, particularly if you go with the USWA, you're going to have a lot of support from the production workers and their local. They would likely provide you with a lot of support as you organize, including legal support, help keep you out of trouble, and serve as a deterrent to the employer trying to pull anything funny (by taking action if you're fired via a public campaign, filing legal actions, etc.). Under these circumstances, you have a lot going for you.

Again, however, there's no guarantee that the employer won't break the law. In that event, you file an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board. The federal government investigates and decides whether to issue a complaint. In the end, if the government wins its case, you're likely to win reinstatement and full backpay - along with an order against the employer to cease and desist from its unionbusting.

Here's what you should do: contact the production workers' local president and tell him/her that you want to organize. There are two possibilities - you might organize a separate unit with its own contract or the production workers might seek to "clarify" their unit to include the staff people in with them (like at the nearby plant).

In any event, unless the employer voluntarily recognizes your union, you would have to get 1/3 of your fellow staff people (excluding supervisors) to sign a petition seeking representation. This is filed with the NLRB. The NLRB conducts an election. If a majority of those voting say UNION YES!, the employer has to recognize your union and collectively bargain a contract with you.

GOOD LUCK!

I hope this answers some concerns.

[Wcross]

5. Thanks VA labor!

I didn't know it was just 1/3rd needed! I think that will be easy to get.

Thanks again!

[VaLabor]

6. yeah, to get an election

You need 1/3 on a petition seeking representation. But that doesn't mean you're represented. It triggers a union election. The majority voting in that election have to say union yes, before you get representation.

In any event, though, most unions don't even follow the 1/3 rule. They go for at least a majority on the petition, to ensure a victory in the subsequent election.

[Upfront]

3. Union

I am a retired member of the USWA in Michigan. They are a great and honest union. First thing you need to know, this is Republican times, that means bad times for anyone trying to organize a union. Say nothing to anyone about your plans. Look up USWA in the phone book and give them a call. They will explain what to do and how to do it, and good luck! I also wish to say you won't go wrong joining the Union, and the USWA is one of the best! If all else fails hear is the phone number of my local union President. He has been the President of our 700 man local for at least 30 years if that tells you something. He will do you right, I give my word, and I do not do that lightly. 989-XXX-XXXX Ask for Mac. I will tell him you may call. If he is not in leave your name and number and something about why you called. Joining the union is the smartest thing I ever did, and it will be the same for you. Again, best wishes and good luck, it can happen if you make it happen!;-)

[VaLabor]

4. Good advice, Upfront

I second it - you should keep your plans under wraps for now - get in touch with the local president or organizer and discuss the matter with him/her first. They'll provide you with the best advice as you go.

If you give the employer a heads-up about your plans, your employer could quickly put together an anti-union campaign to stop you, or start building some sort of a record to use for retaliatory purposes (suddenly keeping tabs on when you return from break, etc.).

Get in touch with a union official or organizer and do it right!

[cmd]

7. Good luck

Follow the excellent advice given and keep us informed about your progress. You are doing a good thing.

[CanuckAmok]

8. Best of luck to you!!

Be careful, and stand your ground. Going Union is the best thing you can do four yourself, your co-workers and your family.

GO FOR IT!