About Unions: FAQs

WHY UNIONS?

There is STRENGTH in numbers! ONLY when workers UNITE can they

• have a voice in the workplace
• obtain dignity and respect
• improve wages, hours, and working conditions

FAQs
ABOUT UNIONS
What can the union offer us?
What are some of the benefits of having a union?
WORKERS' RIGHTS
Is it illegal for management to discriminate against workers who sign union cards and support the union?
How do we gain representation?
When we vote to form a union, can management reduce our wages or benefits?
Can UFCW Local 888 guarantee a wage and benefit increase?
What happens after the union gets recognized?
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS
What will be included in the contract proposals?
Do we have to accept what has been negotiated?
STRIKES
When the union gets recognition, will I have to go on strike?
DUES & FEES
Will I have to pay union dues and an initiation fee?
How are my dues spent?
Will I have to join the union if the union is recognized?
How can I help with the union campaign?

What can the union offer us?
Forming a union gives the workers power! With union representation, management is obligated by law to bargain over issues that are important to you: such as wages, benefits, and your working conditions.

What are some benefits of having a union?
The most important aspects of having a union are legal representation and a contract. A contract provides you with control over your work life. This includes regularly scheduled improvements in wages and benefits, a grievance procedure and freedom from unfair behavior from management. With a contract, management can't make all the rules. They can't transfer workers at will or change and reduce your benefits. In the event that you have a grievance or problem, you will have someone to represent you. Should you have a grievance which results in an arbitration, the union will pay the arbitrator's and lawyer's fees for you.

Compare that with your present life without a contract. Not only are you on your own, you are at the mercy of management.

Remember that while you have a company policy book that covers wages, hours and working conditions, it is not legally binding.

Is it illegal for management to discriminate against workers who sign union cards and support the union?
YES! Your rights to organize are protected by Federal Law. In fact, it is against the law to take any action against workers for their union activity.

How do we gain union representation?
Once a majority of workers have signed authorization cards, UFCW Local 888 will request to be recognized by the employer. If the company agrees, an impartial third party will confirm the union's majority status. Most fair-minded employers use this method to recognize the union.

If the company refuses to recognize the union voluntarily, the Local will file a petition with the National Labor Relations Board. The government GUARANTEES your right to have union representation and will conduct your SECRET BALLOT ELECTION.

In cases where employers violate workers' rights, the government can order the company to bargain with the union.

When we vote to form a union, can management reduce our wages or benefits?
NO! Management cannot cut or reduce your wages or benefits in retaliation for forming a union. The law says that employers must "bargain in good faith." Negotiations must start from your present level of wages and benefits, and the ONLY way that your wages or benefits could be changed is if you agree to that change.

Negotiations start from your CURRENT level of benefits.

Can UFCW Local 888 guarantee a wage and benefit increase?
Under the law, unions cannot guarantee specific improvements to workers who form a union. However, we can give you examples of what workers doing the same job, in the same industry, are making and tell you that you can obtain the same benefits through collective bargaining. We can Guarantee that bringing a union to your workplace is the only way that workers will have any say in their working conditions.

What happens after the union gets recognized?
Soon after the election a meeting will be held with all workers. Two things will occur:
1. You will elect a negotiating committee composed of your co-workers to represent you during negotiations.
2. You will draw up your contract proposals to present to management.

What will be included in the contract proposals?
Based on our meetings and discussions to date, we feel that the following will be some, but not all, items to be negotiated:

• Improved wages and guaranteed hours
• Job Security
• Dignity and Respect from Supervisors
• An effective grievance procedure
• Sick and personal days
• Time and a half vs. Compensation time
• Employer paid health insurance
• Promotions based on seniority

You can negotiate for any and all reasonable items that affect you on your job.

Do we have to accept what has been negotiated?
NO! If you do not feel that you have gained enough in the contract, you can reject it when it is time to vote. If the majority of workers vote against the contract, the union will have to either resume negotiations or ask the employees for a strike vote.

Strikes are rare and only occur as a last resort.

When the union gets recognition, will I have to go on strike?
Whether or not to go on strike will be a decision you and your co-workers will have to make for yourselves. The Local CANNOT call a strike unless two thirds (2/3) of the workers voting on the contract authorize the union to do so.

The decision to strike is never an easy one. For this reason, both Federal and State laws have been passed to protect workers. Additionally, before any strike action is taken by the workers or the Local, approval must be received by the International Union.

The fact is that strikes are uncommon. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that 99% of all contracts are negotiated without strikes. In our opinion, a strike is likely only if management refuses to negotiate honestly and fairly.

Will I have to pay union dues and an initiation fee?
You will pay NO dues until AFTER you have a contract that spells out your improved wages and benefits. ONLY at that time will you be asked to join the union and pay dues. Dues will be $6.00 a week. NO EMPLOYEES ON THE PAYROLL WHEN THE FIRST CONTRACT IS SIGNED WILL PAY AN INITIATION FEE. Employees hired after the first contract is signed may pay an initiation fee.

How are my dues spent?
The union has routine expenses, which are necessary for it to provide you and other members with various services. These include rent for the Union Hall, staff salaries, electricity, postage, telephone bills, attorney's fees, educational programs, publications, organizing programs and many other projects that benefit the members.

Without union dues, the union would be severely limited in its ability to represent and service you and your co-workers. Even if you and your fellow workers wanted to buy these services outside of the union structure, many of them would be unavailable to you at such a low price, if available at all.

Will I have to join the union if the union is recognized?
That depends on two things: What you want and what management agrees to in negotiations.

If you ask for a "Union Shop," the union will include that in your contract proposals. That means that all workers will have to support the union after a specified period of time. Employers must agree to a "Union Shop" in negotiations before it can be placed in a contract.

Experience and government statistics show that employees get better contracts when everyone participates in the union. We believe that employees will want to be members of the union because that is the only way to make sure they have full representation and a voice in what goes on in the workplace.

Where there is Unity, there is Strength!!

How can I help with the union campaign?
1. Sign a card and ask other workers to sign theirs.
2. Talk to your fellow workers about why you support the union.
3. Think ahead to the Contract Negotiations and discuss what you would like to achieve with your fellow workers.
4. Get involved! You are the Union! The future of our organizing program and contract depends on you!

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL:
1(800) 223-1503
and ask for the Organizing Department.

UFCW LOCAL 888
8 GRAMATAN AVENUE
MT. VERNON, NY 10553