More “Noise” On the Way
Every year, companies spend millions of dollars to combat efforts to form a Union. Ever wonder why? Is it because they care so much about you? Is it because they are concerned about their bottom line? Not if they’re spending millions on anti-union lawyers. Or is it because right now they have all the power? Maybe they’re scared if you stand together they will actually have to listen to what you have to say. The bottom line is management’s anti-union campaign is meant to create a lot of noise and distract you from the real issue—there are problems that only a union negotiated contract can fix. Now that some of you are joining together to demand better, you can unfortunately expect more of the same, tired talking points:
They’re Going to Talk About Strikes. Strikes get a lot of publicity, but the odds you will ever go on strike are slim. Every year, ninety-eight percent of all IAM contracts are negotiated without a strike, through businesslike, professional negotiations with the employer. The IAM Constitution ensures no one in the IAM can order or force a majority of members to strike against their will. Members covered by the contract are notified and given the chance to vote on the proposed agreement and on whether to strike. It takes a simple majority (50% + 1) of those voting to accept a contract. It takes a two-thirds majority to strike. With that said, sometimes union members have to strike. It’s a source of power and often times it’s the difference between a so-so and great collective bargaining agreement.
They’re Going to Make Exaggerations About Your Dues. Your dues will be roughly 2x your hourly rate per month. That amount may change slightly when you, as union members, propose and approve your local lodge bylaws. Per the IAM constitution, no dues will be paid until a contract is ratified by the membership. Dues get used for many important things such as bargaining support, education, donations to community causes, arbitration and legal services.
They Will Overstate the Importance of Authorization Cards. Authorization cards are not a membership application. They are used to demonstrate to the National Labor Relations Board that there is sufficient interest to hold a secret-ballot election at your workplace.
They Will Promise Improvements. They may even acknowledge they haven’t done enough for their employees. Token improvements to appease you aren’t out of the question either. The only problem is these promises or improvements aren’t in writing and can go away at management’s whim.
They Will Try and Pain the Union as an Outsider. YOU are the union. YOU decide what issues you want to negotiate with your employer. YOU form your negotiating committee. YOU elect your local lodge, district lodge and International leadership. YOU vote on whether to accept or reject your negotiated collective bargaining agreement
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Check out the book below to learn more about the anti-union campaign.
