Article: Ultimately, a majority of your co-workers will need to vote to establish a union. By talking to your co-workers, you can gauge whether your fellow employees are likely to support a union election. Talking is also the best way to find out what changes your co-workers would like to see, and for you to share your ideas about how unionization can effectuate those changes. Keep your discussions quiet and private. Although the National Labor Relations Act guarantees the right to discuss union membership during non- work time in non work areas (like an employee lounge), keeping these discussions discreet helps avoid conflict between the management and pro-union employees. Your co-workers must find you to be trustworthy and competent, so study up on union issues, like federal and state labor law, the benefits of unions, and common employer tactics used to discourage organization. When a co-worker has a question or challenges your position, you should ready to answer quickly and confidently. To successfully organize, you must inspire and persuade you peers to follow your leadership. There may already be a union you can join that represents your industry. These organizations can guide you through the process of organizing a union at your workplace. Most U.S. labor organizations are organized under the American Federation of Labor - Congress of Industrial Organizations or the Change to Win Federation. There are also independent unions that are not affiliated with either umbrella organization, such as the International Longshore & Warehouse Union, United Electrical Workers, and Industrial Workers of the World. You can also locate local unions by searching online or in the phone book under "Labor Organizations." Keep in mind that the name of the union doesn't matter; meat packers commonly belong to the United Steel Workers. Contact your local unions to find out what industries they represent. If you and your co-workers decide that you would like to organize under an existing union, contact a union organizer at a pre-existing union to help organize a union at your workplace. Alternatively, if you can form a new independent union that is recognized by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) without working with an existing union. Be aware that the cost of running a union and the complexities of labor law may make forming a new union impractical.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Talk to your co-workers about unionizing. Find out if you can join a pre-existing union. Contact a union organizer.