Union FAQ

Why are unions important?
There are lots of advantages to union representation. A worker may join a union for any number of reasons. The truth is that most workers join unions to protect themselves from management's unfair, arbitrary or even malicious behavior.

What are union dues? What are they used for?
Union dues is the money paid to a union to help pay for the union support staff, legal costs, negotiation costs, arbitrator's fees, etc.  Dues can range anywhere from $200-$500 a year depending on the industry, the union, and/or the amount of money the average union member takes home.

What is a "union shop"?
To be a union shop means that all employees within the collective bargaining unit must be a part of the union or at least pay their fair share to the union for representation services. It is a standard clause contained within union and labor contracts. It enables the union to bargain from a stronger position. This not only serves the individual union member, but all the other members employed in the company.

If you initially voted against unionizing, is a membership still possible?
Well, for better of worse, it is how democracy in our country works. What the majority votes for the rest of the population has to live with.  If the minority seeks to accept majority vote, they have the right to become a union member.  Remember, even those who initially opposed the union will receive all the protections and rights of the bargaining contract.  This includes wage increases and/or company benefits. 

What is a union "local"?
Large unions conduct themselves like business corporations.  While a company may have headquarters in New York, they may have branches spread throughout the world. The same formula is found within the union world.  The local is the bottom of the totem pole, yet often provide the most service.   Locals establish bargaining contracts; provide members with mediation; oversee day to day activities and most importantly – Provide union members across the nation with a solid and real institution in which to do business.

What do “International" unions do?
International unions are heavily involved in legislation.  They lobby Congress for changes in labor and employment law.  Laws that benefit the average worker are the most important to these International representatives.  International unions also provide help to locals that are in need as well as coordinate national organizing efforts.

If my company faces the possibility of unionization, what should I expect?
At some point the employees are asked to sign a union card. Upon obtaining the signatures of 65-75% of the employees in the company, a bargaining unit is formed.  It is possible to form this unit with as few as 30% of the employees. However, it's best to wait for a solid majority, as the company can seek to punish signed members. 

The cards are then submitted to The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) - a government agency that oversees union/management relations. The bargaining unit is finalized either by the NLRB or by agreement between the company and union. When the unit is finalized, an election date is set and majority vote wins.  Tensions mount high at this critical time as both the company and union supporters aggressively engage in a war of the workers. 

How democratic are unions?
The whole process of forming and becoming part of a union is democratic in nature. You get to decide if you want to sign the card. You decide which way you want to vote. You decide what goes into the contract. You decide which employees will be in the bargaining unit. In fact, almost all union activities are subject to a vote by the membership.

What if I have more questions about unions?
Feel free to ask around. Ask both pro-union people and those in management (non-union by law). Stop by a unionized workplace and talk to the employees there. See how they feel about their union.