What Bosses Say

Employers will say…

Lets talk privately.
You can trust me.
I’m telling you for your own good.
We’re just one big happy family.
Give us another chance.
My door is always open.

They will say almost anything to keep you from joining or forming a Union. And with good reason: if you have a Union, you have a voice in the decisions that affect you, your job, and your family.

Your employer will try to tell you that Unions cause everything from bad weather to economic destruction.

The truth is that labor unions are a vital part of any democracy and that union membership is as American as apple pie, the only way many working people can exercise any control.

The Truth About Contracts

Your employer will tell you “the union can’t guarantee you anything” and that you may well lose wages and benefits with the union.

The truth is that with a union, you have a right to negotiate a contract that is legally binding and indeed does guarantee you the wages and benefits you deserve.

And the proof is indisputable…unionized workers in our country enjoy superior benefits and wages 20-30% higher than non-unionized workers.

Who Runs the Union?

Your employer will try to convince you that “the union” is some group of outsiders, trying to come in and “disturb the family atmosphere” and dictate what goes on in the workplace.

The truth is that you and your co-workers are the union- you elect your own officers and decide what you want your union to do by a democratic process.

Can you imagine your employer taking a vote on anything?

What About Union Dues?

Most likely, your employer will try to persuade you not to go union by telling tall tales about the union dues you’ll be required to pay.

It takes money to run any organization. The company doesn’t want you to pay dues because they know that with your own organization you can have better wages and benefits and an equal voice on the job. Many union members refer to dues as “job insurance”.

And What about Strikes?

Probably the scariest thing you’ll hear about unions is that they are always going out on strike and that you may be forced to go on strike.

The truth is, 99% of all union contracts are settled without any sort of work stoppage at all. You and your co-workers, because you control your union, are the only ones who can vote to strike or not to strike.

So What can a Union Really Do?

The job of your union is to negotiate on your behalf for better wages and benefits through a legal and binding contract, then to enforce that contract and to represent you when you encounter day-to-day problems with your employer. By joining together in a union, you and your co-workers have the collective strength to make sure you get decent contracts and fair treatment on the job.

Your right to join or form a union is guaranteed by federal law under the National Labor Relations Act.

Unions are built on the ideals that have made our country great…including the right to stand up and speak out to improve our lives and gain a rightful share of the American dream.