The ABCs of Unionizing, Proposed Changes and the Worker Caught in the Middle

Current Law:

1. At least 30% of employees sing off on “authorization cards”.

This triggers 45 days of propaganda, between the employer and the union, on the 45th day, employees vote either to become unionized or remain non-unionized.

2. Vote: 50% plus one vote to unionize.

3. Negotiate

4. Contract

Proposed Changes:

1. 50% plus one sign authorization cards.

2. Arbitration

3. Contract

Bottom Line:

Employers want to provide the smallest check possible to maximize profits.

Unions want our union dues.

This is the situation myself and my fellow workers are in right now. We are caught in the middle and ideally we would like to start our own union. If anyone could share any insight into forming a union, please share.



Thank you.

1. find a labor lawyer. they can help you out.

2. find out if your industry is being organized. if so, you can find one of the big unions to organize you. if not, you're SOL as far as the big unions (AFL CIO, Change to Win). smaller unions like UE, and various independent unions may be able to help.

3. you may want to talk to the IWW, they are kind of on the fringes though.

IMHO, UE is the one to consider. They're the ones who got the settlement for the window factory workers in illinois.

There are labor classes at LA Trade Tech and Cal State Dominguez Hills that can help.