What do you want to change?

The first step in organizing a union is talking with your co-workers to decide what concerns you'd like to address. People have different issues, but oftentimes there is a common theme, such as lack of a voice in the workplace, lack of respect, or low compensation. Ask everyone what they'd like to see change.

It's legal

What you're doing is completely legal. It is your legal right to discuss employment conditions with your co-workers and to join together to negotiate work conditions with your employer.

Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) is a federal law guaranteeing that right - and will protect you if your employer takes negative action, such as harassment, threats to layoff, or discipline, for discussing organizing a union in your workplace. Under the NLRA Act of 1947, all workers have "the right to self-organization, to form, to join, or assist labor organizations." Furthermore, the same act states that employers are not allowed to "interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees in the exercise of the rights guaranteed in Section 7."

Getting organized

After talking with your co-workers to find out about their issues, you can contact Washtech to enlist the help of a union organizer. The organizer can help you create a plan for a organizing a union in your workplace; you will be in charge every step of the way.

An organizing campaign will consist of talking with co-workers about the union and asking them to sign a petition of support. A typical workplace campaign requires a strong majority of support (65% of employees) from people who are interested in change.

Once the group has agreed on what issues to discuss, you'll develop a mission statement - basically stating what you want to achieve. It's important to have a clear statement - in writing - that includes all the issues the group wants addressed, so that everyone knows what he or she is backing. It also will help to present a clear message to management, so it knows what it needs to change to make a better workplace for you, the employees. Entering into collective bargaining with your employer comes next, in which negotiations about worker issues take place.

Organizing help is available

If necessary, the National Labor Relations board (NLRb) can help conduct a union vote in your workplace, at which point your employer is legally required to negotiate in "good faith" with the union on a written contract covering wages, hours, and other working conditions.

Without a union, you leave all of your rights outside when you walk through the door to work. but you - and the people you work with - can change this.