AFSCME LOCAL 2728

Local 2728 Scholarship Essay

          Years following the Civil War, there were several violent worker strikes within the railroad companies.  Eventually, this led to the first stepping-stone of the Unionized Movement in which many new-founded unions were established in the 1930's.  Now, there is a union for every major employer in the United States.

          In order to build a union, certain conditions must be met.  First, a union can only exist if the majority of workers desire one.  Second, only one union can represent a particular group of workers at one time.  The workers in favor of the union must have common interests, such as having the same job.  These workers form what is called the bargaining unit.  After the bargaining unit is formed, the workers must obtain a warrant from the National Labors Relationship Board (NLRB).  Unions should contact an already built union for support, which have organizers, staff, and financial aid.  Once they have decided, all workers will usually show their interest by signing union authorization cards, which states that the workers authorizes that the union can represent them for the purposes of collective bargaining.  Afterwards, the union may then petition to the NLRB, as long as 30% vote for in favor of it.  The next step is that the NLRB will notify the employer of the union, in which usually they will request a hearing with the union to prove support.  If all goes well, then the NLRB will set a date for the elections.   In the meantime, however, it is legal for the employer to apply certain tactics against supporters such as holding captive audiences at work, barraging the supporters with anti-union propaganda, and have supervisors have “face-to-face” discussions with the supporters.  If the supporters of the union win, and the union is sanctified, the stage is set for the next phase.

          In order to run an effective union it is wise to have a strong organizing body.  This body often includes dedicated supporters, who will then build a rank-and-file organization within the workplace, and maintains support within the workplace.  In addition, the group should encourage a gradual escalation of solidarity actions within the workers.  First they must create a committee that can represent the union.  In addition, face-to-face interactions must be maintained to keep supporters informed, which is a must for the continuance of the union.  Employers will throw many roadblocks but unions keep together to pay off monetarily, also addressing daily problems of challenge and frustrations, not leaving the decisions up to others.  Workers standing alone are trouble; you need a union for power and influence.  Freedom to have a voice on the job with the union is a human right guaranteed by the U.S. Labor Laws.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                           Scott Damiani