Unions also represent members in workplace disputes with supervisors. [3] X Trustworthy Source Workplace Fairness Nonprofit organization focused on public education and advocacy on issues related to employment and labor law Go to source Common disputes occur around discipline and termination. A union may pay for a lawyer to help the employee arbitrate a dispute. [4] X Research source Ask around and talk to a co-worker who is in the union. Ask if she or he has ever had to file a complaint with the union and how it was resolved. Also ask if they think they are getting good value for the dues they are paying.

Whether or not HR has a form depends on whether the collective bargaining agreement provides for HR to deduct union dues. If the agreement does not, then contact your union representative.

Make sure you have the right form. Multiple unions are often present at large employers (such as universities). Some unions may exist for hourly workers and a separate union may exist for salaried workers. Each has its own form. A typical form looks like this.

The amount of union dues varies by workplace. Generally, you can expect to pay between $200 and several hundred dollars a year. [6] X Research source Union dues fund a variety of activities, for example office support and organizing costs. Money is also used to pay fees for attorneys who help with negotiations and accountants who analyze the employer’s finances. [7] X Research source You are probably already paying into a union. Although a unionized workplace will be open to employees who do not join, bargaining agreements often require all workers to pay a percentage of the union dues. [8] X Research source This is called an “agency fee. ”

Keep a copy for your records.

Each union has different methods of payments. Some require that you send the money to a designated delegate. The delegate then sends back stamps for you to paste into a booklet, signaling that you paid your dues. Other unions require you to pay online. [9] X Research source You will be given an identification number and password. Once you log-in, you can then pay the dues. Be sure to ask your union representative about how to pay, and contact her with any questions.

Other benefits may be just as important. For example, collective bargaining agreements can limit termination to “just cause” only. [13] X Research source The contract will then define what qualifies as “just cause” and will also provide procedures for contesting the termination, such as arbitration. Collective bargaining agreements also can provide job protection for workers based on seniority. Collective bargaining agreements can stipulate that, in the event of layoffs, those who were hired last should be fired first.

Search on the web for “union” and then your industry, such as “food preparer” or “call center customer service rep. ” Also contact your state or local labor council, who may be able to point you in the right direction. Belonging to a national union is beneficial as the national union has more resources and experience in collective bargaining. If no national union exists, you can still go ahead with your union drive. The process is largely the same.

  1. 30% of people sign cards, then there will be a NLRB verified election or 2) Card check- If over 50% of the eligibles sign a card then the employer can waive the secret election and begin negotiating with the union.
  2. If 50% sign a card and the NLRB finds that the employer is engaging in behavior that will make a fair election impossible then the NLRB can mandate the creation of a union.

Find out if your co-workers share your same concerns. Do they have additional concerns, such as an overall lack of dignity or respect? Be sure to talk only on breaks and away from the workplace. It is not illegal to discuss forming a union, but management can derail the organizing drive much easier if they catch wind of it early in the process. [15] X Research source Your employer cannot retaliate for your concerted activity to improve wages or working conditions. [16] X Trustworthy Source National Labor Relations Board Independent U. S. government agency responsible for enforcing U. S. labor law in relation to collective bargaining and unfair labor practices. Go to source So long as you are working to improve the conditions for yourself and other employees, your discussing the formation of a union is legally protected.

Aim for a committee that is about 10% of the workforce. [18] X Research source Once you have a committee, you can meet with a union organizer from the national union you are trying to join. The organizer will help you learn the ins and outs of labor law and help develop a plan for organizing the workplace. The specifics of the organizing plan will differ by workplace. But you will first need to “map out” your workplace by identifying who works where and with whom. [19] X Research source You will then work to identify which issues matter the most to which workers. [20] X Research source You will target your union drive to workers based on their concerns. The organizer can also help the committee come up with ways to counter management’s arguments against the union.

At this point, management will likely hear of the union and begin to discourage workers from joining. Consider drafting a petition that lays out the core issues the union is being formed to address. Ask workers if they would like to sign it. [21] X Research source Remind co-workers that it is against the law for management to retaliate for union organizing. [22] X Trustworthy Source Workplace Fairness Nonprofit organization focused on public education and advocacy on issues related to employment and labor law Go to source

A sample card looks like this. You will get cards from the umbrella union (such as the UAW or the AFL-CIO). Management may choose to recognize the union if a majority of employees sign a card. However, management can also require that an election be held, and this is the option most companies choose. [23] X Research source

Complete the Petition and the Certificate of Service. You can complete these PDF forms online and then save or print them off. The NLRB prefers that you submit documents electronically. [24] X Trustworthy Source National Labor Relations Board Independent U. S. government agency responsible for enforcing U. S. labor law in relation to collective bargaining and unfair labor practices. Go to source You will complete the forms in PDF and then upload them at this website.

Print them off and either hand deliver or mail. Do not share with your employer the cards that were signed. [25] X Trustworthy Source National Labor Relations Board Independent U. S. government agency responsible for enforcing U. S. labor law in relation to collective bargaining and unfair labor practices. Go to source

All documents may be mailed to the regional NLRB office where the employer is located. To find the correct office, visit here and click on the map. You shouldn’t have to wait more than 5-8 weeks after notifying the NLRB to hear back from them.

A union will force the employer to lay off workers. Union dues will be extremely high. The employer deserves another chance to improve the working conditions without a union present.

Your employer must post information about the election in conspicuous places around the workplace. [29] X Trustworthy Source National Labor Relations Board Independent U. S. government agency responsible for enforcing U. S. labor law in relation to collective bargaining and unfair labor practices. Go to source If you believe that your employer at any time has tried to influence the vote by threatening discipline or demotion, or has promised promotions or raises, then you should notify the regional NLRB office.