Switching unions

Guest · Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2006 2:13 pm Post subject: Switching unions

I was wondering what the chances of getting a different union to represent
me and my co-workers are? The current union,Internetional Chemical Workers really mirepresented us in the last 7 months. They left my local hanging. Is it possible to have a better stronger, more representing union to take over?

OPEIU30Steward · Posted: Wed Mar 15, 2006 6:50 am Post subject:

'Possible', yes. Please also consider the 'possibility' that you may split the vote by having your current union, the 'new' union(s) and 'no' union. If one of the unions do not receive 50% plus one vote, you may face your work situation without having any representation at all (i.e. if you have 33% voting for union x, 33% voting for union y, and the other 33% either not voting or voting no, it is my understanding no wins as neither option received 50% plus one vote.

I recommend contacting the union your considering to join and discuss with them your concerns.

wondermite · Joined: 25 Feb 2006 Posts: 27

Your chance of getting another union in would be slim if employees feel that the union has let them down. your union officers has a chain of command that you may go to. please contact the international pres.
write him,e-mail him and call him over and over again. also demand to your rep. that you want to go to your next union convention to speak out there.
demand another election to vote in new local officers. ask your union if other union officers may come to your meetings to give advice

insider · Guest

Most unions are part of the afl-cio, the afl-cio forbids "raiding" (one union taking the membership of another union) article XX of the afl-cio constitution. You have a legal right to change unions 90 days prior to the expiration of your current contract, however no union will involve itself because of the non-raiders clause. Here are your options: 1.) form your own union, the nlrb can explain what forms are needed and what timelines are involved 2.) you could decertify your present union however you would have no union and no protection (again, the nlrb can explain the details on how this is done) 3.) you could remain with your present union and voice your complaints to the International and last you can request that your union release it's jurisdiction to another union better suited to address the issues facing your membership ( this rarely happens willingly) Good luck

OrganizingAdvocate · Posted: Sat Apr 08, 2006 3:43 am Post subject:

Hi insider,

I understand there are some restrictions within the AFL-CIO regarding 'raiding'. However, I'm not certain members of one union, contacting another union for representation is always a cut and dry case of raiding. Also, www.changetowin.org is an organization which was formed by seven organizations which left the AFL-CIO to form a new coalition. Obviously, no longer being members of the AFL-CIO may relieve those organizations from any committment towards not assisting union members receive better representation with a different union.