|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||||
Union Organizing Questions Answered
(United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, Local 1625)What Is A Union?
A union is a group of workers who come together to gain power at work. Through this coming together, in union they are able to bargain and not beg for the rights and respect that they are entitled to.Who Is the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union?
The United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) is the largest private sector union in the United States. Over 1.4 million hardworking men and women are in the UFCW. The majority of those members are in the retail grocery industry, but many of us are healthcare, packinghouse and other workers. We all have one thing in common, we are the workers who make profit for America.
Myth vs. Fact:
The Truth About Organizing A UnionMyth: If I say I'm for the Union, or sign anything, I'll be fired.
Fact: Your right to organize is protected by Federal Law and the Florida State Constitution.
When you are for the Union, you are not alone. You have a group of coworkers and or organization that will stand behind you. If a supervisor or manager in any way threatens or harasses you, because you are for the Union, that is an Unfair Labor Practice. Notify somebody on the organizing committee and we will file charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
Myth: A Union wouldn't change anything. The Unions in the South do not have any power.
Fact: Thousands of Florida workers have already felt the positive change a Union can bring to work.
The Boss wants you to believe that you have no power. In Union, you will have the power to negotiate the terms and conditions at work. If the Union couldn't change anything, why would your boss fight your right to organize?
Myth: If we have a Union, we will have to strike.
Fact: You will never have to strike if you do not want to. The strike is a tactic that you and your coworkers may decide to use.
Although strikes are in the news a lot, they are actually a very rare occurrence. More than 99 percent of all Union contracts are settled without a strike. In some cases, you may choose to strike as a tactic to gain power at your workplace. That is your decision.
Myth: A Union means confrontation.
Fact: Employees organize a Union for respect, fair treatment, and a better future. That's democracy and justice, not confrontation.
It is true, democracy and justice can be confrontational ideas. When this country was formed, those ideas were very confrontational. As workers we feel it is important to stand up for our rights and extend the virtues of democracy and justice into the workplace.
Warning:
Company Tactics to Watch Out For:The Big Lie
- Don't be surprised if supervisor's qoute union by-laws out ofcontext.
- Obscure press clippings will be used to convey negative images ofunions.
- Employees are told union authorization cards are a blank check that can be used for anything.
We Hear Your Concerns
- Suddenly management finds money for wage increases or improvements in your benefits.
- Supervisors have a new found respect and concern for your well-being.
Bad Cop
- Supervisors talk openly about how things would ran better if you were more of a team player.
- Union supporteres and organizers are characterized as trouble makers who have a problem with everything.
- An unpopular supervisor may be demoted or fired.
The Talk
- Management holds "captive audience" meetings with employees during work time.
- Managers have one-on-one meetings with employees to discuss any difficulties you may be having.
Other Myths about Unions
- The union is losing membership. All it wants is your dues money.
- We can't increase wages or benefits be- cause the union is here.
United Food and Commercial Workers
Local 1625
(407) 438-7112
- Union Organizing Questions Answered (United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, Local 1625)
- Your Guide to the (Union) Election Process (UFCW)
- It's No Secret! Know Your Rights (to Organize)! (UFCW)
- What Is Collective Bargaining? Your Guide to the Process (UFCW)
- Yes, It's the Law! You Have the Right to Have a Union (UFCW)
- The National Labor Relations Board and YOU -- Unfair Labor Practices (National Labor Relations Board)