Unionization

[Zapatas Guns]

I work for a major corporation that is non union. I won't say which one so I will leave it like that. There has been some push recently to unionize but many people are on the fence or feed "unions are bad" bull shit. I read revleft and post on revleft so you all can pretty much assume how I feel about it.

I have never organized in this way or done anything like this so I was wondering if anyone had some pointers. I suppose I'm also fishing for some moral support. This is a fight that will be very difficult. The thing is, the company allows us to talk about it freely...but that is just so they can shoot down and tell everyone what a stupid idea it is. For example, they say you can unionize if you like, but when you are in a union you are more likely to be laid off. (they imply there will be lay offs to off set the increase in pay and benefits everyone will receive) Then they point to a whole bunch of bull shit scenarios to "prove" their point. I could go on and on about it but you sorta get the picture. There is a major disinformation campaign against it. There is a silent and growing section though that is starting to come around. However they worry about job security and feeding their families. They stay quiet because they think if they stand out they will get the axe. It may be illegal to fire you for talking about a union but the company will just find some mickey mouse reason to terminate you.

I know the only strength we have is with each other. Together united as one. Should I just continue to talk to people one on one as I have been doing or should I be a little more public about it and start handing out union cards? I don't know what to do.

[ellipsis]

There is a IWW pamphlet about unionizing also a FRSO(?)one called "the trouble maker's handbook.

MOVED to P&P

[syndicat]

(they imply there will be lay offs to off set the increase in pay and benefits everyone will receive)

they would only lay people off if they don't need people to get the work done. as long as they continue to have the same level of demand for their products, they will have to hire the same number of people. what they are really worried about is a drop in their profits due to higher wages/benefits.

[praxis1966]

OP: Can I ask at least what industry you're in? I'd suggest the IWW right off the bat since I'm a member, but if you find we're not a good fit for you that's probably going to matter more if you don't choose to organize with us. Also, it sounds like this tactic of theirs of allowing you to talk unionization onsite is a way of "keeping their friends close and their enemies closer." In other words, they want you to feel like it's OK so you'll "out" yourselves... They wanna know who to fire if in fact an organization drive does pick up steam. My best advice to you is that no matter what union you ultimately select, never and I mean never talk about it onsite.

Anyway, I won't go so far as to pry about your location (security culture and all that), but I would suggest you contact our organizing department for more info... IWW Organizing Dept. (http://www.iww.org/en/organize)

[Zapatas Guns]

OP: Can I ask at least what industry you're in? I'd suggest the IWW right off the bat since I'm a member, but if you find we're not a good fit for you that's probably going to matter more if you don't choose to organize with us. Also, it sounds like this tactic of theirs of allowing you to talk unionization onsite is a way of "keeping their friends close and their enemies closer." In other words, they want you to feel like it's OK so you'll "out" yourselves... They wanna know who to fire if in fact an organization drive does pick up steam. My best advice to you is that no matter what union you ultimately select, never and I mean never talk about it onsite.

Anyway, I won't go so far as to pry about your location (security culture and all that), but I would suggest you contact our organizing department for more info... IWW Organizing Dept. (http://www.iww.org/en/organize)

Actually I was thinking IWW but I am not sure it is a good fit. I went to their website and I didn't see my industry on there.

I was thinking the same thing about keeping your enemies close. It is picking up steam but a lot of people are worried about their jobs. They have families and other obligations.

I am in auto manufacturing.

[Fopeos]

You should probably continue to build support as you have been. Try to convince the "fence-sitters" that unionizing is a positive step. You'll have to counter the company's propaganda with facts. Union workers earn more, have safer workplaces, better benefits, all the things you already know. Once you do "go public" make sure you follow your employee handbook to the letter. They will look for any infraction to terminate you.

[praxis1966]

Actually I was thinking IWW but I am not sure it is a good fit. I went to their website and I didn't see my industry on there.

I was thinking the same thing about keeping your enemies close. It is picking up steam but a lot of people are worried about their jobs. They have families and other obligations.

I am in auto manufacturing.

Well, we'll unionize fucking anybody. There's a reason why you hear Wobs consistently repeating the line "One Big Union." I don't know if you know or not but we used to be involved in all kinds of heavy industry organizing until the Red Scare era. I'm not an actual organizer, though, most of the stuff I do is in the realm of community outreach and tabling... Like I said, though, contact the organizing department and hear what they have to say. You won't know for sure until you do. If you still think it won't work, there's always the mainstream unions I suppose...

[genstrike]

this is the second "I want to start a union" thread in the past few days - should we maybe sticky one of these in P&P or Workers Struggles so it's readily available?

[Pioneers_Violin]

I work for a major corporation that is non union. I won't say which one so I will leave it like that. There has been some push recently to unionize but many people are on the fence or feed "unions are bad" bull shit. I read revleft and post on revleft so you all can pretty much assume how I feel about it.

I have never organized in this way or done anything like this so I was wondering if anyone had some pointers. I suppose I'm also fishing for some moral support. This is a fight that will be very difficult. The thing is, the company allows us to talk about it freely...but that is just so they can shoot down and tell everyone what a stupid idea it is. For example, they say you can unionize if you like, but when you are in a union you are more likely to be laid off. (they imply there will be lay offs to off set the increase in pay and benefits everyone will receive) Then they point to a whole bunch of bull shit scenarios to "prove" their point. I could go on and on about it but you sorta get the picture. There is a major disinformation campaign against it. There is a silent and growing section though that is starting to come around. However they worry about job security and feeding their families. They stay quiet because they think if they stand out they will get the axe. It may be illegal to fire you for talking about a union but the company will just find some mickey mouse reason to terminate you.

I know the only strength we have is with each other. Together united as one. Should I just continue to talk to people one on one as I have been doing or should I be a little more public about it and start handing out union cards? I don't know what to do.

I've been through this once.
I even had the honor of being the one that took all of the heat for organizing even though I had little to do with it.

The good news was, while management was focusing their efforts on me, my comrades were using this to convince more people to vote union.

As you say, it's very important to play exactly by the rules. Management can and will fire you for the slightest infraction, even if it's illegal to do so.

That said, in many states harassing employees who are trying to organize a union is a very big no-no. So you probably have some measure of protection and you should have union lawyers on your side.

You could continue to talk one-on one with your co-workers if it is a small group. It's probably best to do this away from work.
You could have a private party at a pizza place or a pub or wherever and invite only your co-workers.
That way you can talk with many at once without direct intimidation. If you are poor at speaking in public, your Union representative can help.

Nowadays, I look back with pride that I had the nerve to stand for my union when others cowered and lied about their involvement. My Organizer pin is one of my treasured possessions and becomes more so every year.

Be strong,
PV

added:
1- Kudos to you for coming this far. It speaks well for your character and concern for not only your own but others well-being.
2- If management decides to play dirty, take them to court. fight until you win and never settle out of court.
3- Do what you think best, and remember that you have to live with your decisions.

[Leftsolidarity]

Try to secretly put out information about the positive side of unions so that people will be informed and you don't get heat. Hope you get a union and good job on trying to work for it.

[Zav]

The previously given advice is good, but also have another job lined up and a good amount of money saved. You may or may not be able to get another job in that industry if you stir up enough trouble. If it's a really large corp., like GM, you can count on loosing your livelihood.

[Binh]

Who is leading the recent push to unionize?

One thing you can do is draw up a fact sheet with the top 5 lies in bullet form and writing a short 1 paragraph reply as to why it's complete and utter garbage, post it in bathroom stalls or in other areas around the plant but be sure you don't get caught.

It is true that if you unionize, they will try to fire/lay off as many of you as possible, outsource your work to other shops/countries, etc. In the long run they'll do that any way if they think they can make a buck. I suggest reading "Striking Flint" by Genora Dollinger who led the formation of the UAW in the famous 1936 sit-down strikes for insights and tactical guidance.

Be careful!!