AFSCME LOCAL 2728

Meghan Oehrlein

How to Organize and Build a Union

            Employees have the right to organize and build a union.  Belonging to a union gives you rights under law that you do not have as an individual.  Many employees may feel they have no voice in their workplace which can result in fear, confusion and doubt.  These conditions may lead to a divided workplace where the workers feel they have no power.  If this happening in your workplace then start organizing a union now!

            The first step in forming a union is to talk to your co-workers who might be interested in forming an organized committee.  Once leaders are identified they must be educated about workers’ right to organize and must understand Union policies and principles of democracy and rank-and-file control.  Second, adopt an issues program.  During a campaign, this committee will help motivate and unify the members.  Remember, “In unity there is strength.”    Third, co-workers are asked to join the union program by signing membership cards with a goal of a sizeable majority.  The signed cards are used to petition the federal labor board to hold an election.  It will take several weeks to determine who is eligible to vote and schedule the election.  Once the union wins the employer must recognize and bargain with the union.  The next step is to negotiate a contract which is the real goal of the campaign.  Once the union and the employer negotiate and sign, covering everything from better wages, better pensions, better health and dental costs, job security, a right to health and safety on the job, why age matters, advancing your career through training and education and especially the right to vote on your contract will still need to be achieved.  Workers must support the union contract demands and pressure the employer to meet them.  Like membership in any other organization comes the obligation to pay union dues.  Dues help pay for the costs of collective bargaining and representing workers interests.   When Congress passed the National Labor Relations Act, it guaranteed workers the right to join unions and the legal right to strike.  Strikes are very uncommon today, however sometimes necessary.

            The key to success is a strong union foundation.  Once the union is organized the workers will finally attain power and a legally protected voice.  Workers fear, confusion and doubt will become hopeful and confident with their efforts to obtain their first contract with management.  The goal of all union needs is to have a strong unified membership.