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Welcome
We at Local Lodge
1433 would like to invite you to join us, to make your workplace
better. It's clear -- union-represented workers across the
nation enjoy better average wages and benefits, better and safer
working conditions, and rights that non-union workers simply do
not have. We believe that all people from all types of work places
deserve the right to have union representation on the job. You
have the right to a voice in your workplace..
We are:
Machinists, Production Workers, Tool-Makers, Submarine Builders,
Health-Care Workers, Professional Employees
Why Have a Union?
We asked some union members to write a short message about why they like having a
union. Here are some of their answers:
“I like the unity of being in a union. Like they say,
‘United we stand, divided we fall.’” – Linnea Demanche, IAM Shop
Steward
“For me, the union means freedom from harassment, and better
wages and benefits.” – Jimmy Hefs, IAM Safety Rep.
“When you belong, you never stand alone.” – Juan Gelabert,
IAM Shop Steward
“The union ensures fair working conditions, with better wages
and benefits.” – Dana Erickson
Your Legal Rights
You have the
legal right under Section 7 of the National Labor
Relations Act to join or support a union and to:
Attend meetings to discuss joining a union.
Read, distribute, and discuss union literature (as long as
you do this in non-work areas during non-work times, such as
during breaks or lunch hours.)
Wear union buttons, T-shirts, stickers, hats, or other items on
the job.
Sign a card asking your employer to recognize and bargain with
the union
Sign petitions or file grievances related to wages, hours,
working conditions, and other job issues.
Ask other employees to support the union, to sign union cards
or petitions, or to file grievances.
Secret Ballot Elections
To establish a union in a workplace, a majority of employees
must express support for the union. In most situations, the
employees prove majority support through a secret-ballot election
conducted by the National Labor Relations Board.
Good Faith"
Bargaining
After the union's election victory is officially certified by
the National Labor Relations Board, your employer is legally
required to negotiate in "good faith" with the union on a written
contract covering wages, hours, and other working conditions.
Protection
From Employer Action
Under Section 8 of the National Labor Relations Act, your
employer cannot legally punish or discriminate against any worker
because of union activity. For example, your employer cannot
legally do the following:
Threaten to or actually fire, lay off, discipline, harass,
transfer, or reassign employees because they support the union.
Favor employees who don't support the union over those who do
in promotions, job assignments, wages, hours, enforcement of
rules, or any other working condition.
Shut down the work site or take away any benefits or
privileges employees already enjoy in order to discourage union
activity.
Promise employees a pay increase, promotion, benefit, or
special favor if they oppose the union.
Enforcing Your Rights
Some employers try to prevent the workers from joining a union.
The best way to encourage your employers to recognize your union
and negotiate a fair contract is to build a strong organization
where you work.
If your employer violates the law, the union can help you
file "unfair labor practice" charges with the National Labor
Relations Board. The Labor Board has the power to order an
employer to stop interfering with employee rights, to provide back
pay, and to reverse any action taken against workers for union
activity.
You can help protect your legal rights by:
•Keeping written notes of any incidents in which company officials
or supervisors threaten, harass, or punish workers because of
union activity.
•Immediately reporting any such incidents to your organizing
committee and the union staff.
Your notes don't have to be worded a certain way, but you
should include what was said or done, who was involved, where and
when it happened, and the names of any witnesses.
The National Labor Relations Act Says:
Section 7: "Employees shall have the right to self-organization,
to form, join, or assist labor organizations to bargain
collectively through representation of their own choosing, and to
engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of collective
bargaining . . ."
Section 8 (a): "It shall be an unfair labor practice for an
employer. . . to interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees in
the exercise of the rights guaranteed in Section 7 . . ."
Here are some
interesting quotes from some interesting people-
(These quotes
were posted on Linda Dumers Bulletin Board at the CT State Council
of Machinists office) "Thank you Linda for sharing these with us"
Senator Orrin Hatch, (R-Utah)-
" We need unions to level the field
between labor and management. If you didn't have unions, it would
be very difficult for even enlightened employers not to take
advantage of workers on wages and working conditions...I'm among
the first to say I believe in unions."
Former President Dwight Eisenhower-
"Only a handful of reactionaries harbor
the ugly thought of breaking unions...only a fool would deprive
working men and women of the right to join the union of their
choice."
Former President Lincoln-(from a
speech in Hartford, CT, March 5, 1860)
" I thank God we have a system of labor
where there can be a strike. Whatever the pressure, there is a
point the working man may stop"
Martin Luther King, Jr.-
" The two most dynamic and cohesive
liberal forces in the country are the Labor Movement and The negro
Freedom Movement."
Unknown- "Unions, The folks that
brought you the weekend!"
"Organize Today
For A Better Tomorrow"
Please contact us at:
1-877-828-0359
We are here to assist and support you in
every way we can. But it is up to you and your co-workers to make
your organizing campaign successful. After all, you are the ones
who know the issues that have either impaired you in doing your
job or have stripped away the dignity and respect that you
deserve.
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