Bringing the Union to Your Workplace

Organizing at your work place begins with the forming  of a  bargaining unit (the employees who will be represented by the Union).   This group of employees must either be voluntarily recognized by their employer, or a majority of workers in the bargaining unit must vote for Union representation.

It is legal for employers to attempt to persuade employees not to unionize. However, it is  illegal  for an Employer to prevent employees from unionizing by  threatening them, use of violence, and other coercive action. It is also illegal for unions to use lies or threats to intimidate employees into joining a Union.  

An employer is required by law to bargain in good faith with the Union. Once an agreement is reached through negotiations, a collective bargaining agreement (CBA)  is signed. A CBA is a negotiated agreement between a labor union and an employer that sets terms of employment for members of that union including wages, hours, conditions, vacation, sick days, and benefits.   After a CBA is signed, an employer can’t change details of the agreement without the union representative’s approval. The CBA lasts for a set period of time with the union monitoring to assure the employer abides by the contract. If a union believes an employer has breached the CBA, the union can file a grievance, which may be resolved through arbitration. 

STEPS TO FORMING A UNION AT YOUR WORKPLACE

SHOWING OF INTEREST REQUEST AUTHORIZATION CARDS
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) requires that a minimum of 30% of the employees fill out union authorization cards before it will conduct an election.    

ELECTION PETITION FILED 
Teamsters Local 205 presents the signed cards to the NLRB (National Labor Relations Board) with a request to conduct an election.

ELECTION DATE SET 
The Union, a Company Representative, and the NLRB meet to set an election date, time and place that is mutually agreeable.

NLRB ELECTION 
Each employee casts  a vote by secret ballot stating if they want the Union (Local 205) to begin negotiations with your Employer.  Vote YES!

PREPARE FOR NEGOTIATIONS
While the NLRB certifies the election results, you and your coworkers will begin to discuss what specific benefits you would like to have in your first bargaining agreement.  A bargaining committee of employees is also formed. 

UNION YES! NEGOTIATIONS BEGIN
The employees’ Negotiating Committee, Local 205  Representatives, and the Employer begin a series of meetings to develop an Agreement proposal.  A proposal is submitted to the Employer by the Union on behalf of the Employees. The Proposal contains all your requests for the new agreement pertaining to wages, working conditions, benefits, seniority, etc. 

RATIFICATION
Employees meet to discuss and vote (by secret ballot) on the Employer’s response to our proposal.  If rejected, we go back into negotiations. If accepted, the conditions in the proposal take full effect from the beginning of the agreement date

JOIN THE UNION
It's now time to become an official Union Member by completing a Union Application.