How many Harvard lawyers does it take to stop a union campaign?
How many Harvard lawyers does it take to stop a union campaign??
Six.
One to intimidate the workers, one to intimidate the supervisors...
...and four to count the fees.
WHEN EMPLOYEES decide to unionize, most employers react by conducting a strong anti-union campaign to discourage a "yes" vote for union representation.
And one of the most predictable things they do is hire outside consultants. These are usually high-priced lawyers too lazy to practice law the hard way and they are specialists in devising ways to intimidate workers.
The consultants are like ambulance-chasers÷ they look for union campaigns and come in and convince employers they can defeat the employees and manipulate the laws that were passed to protect you.
THE FORMULA
The way to combat all this high-priced "talent" is to know what is coming and to make sure all your co-workers know what to expect.
The consultants are paid high fees (often $1,000 a day) and it comes from money that should be yours. But they aren't really all that smart because they use the same old techniques over and over.
*Consultants train supervisors to carry the anti-union message, so expect a lot of "friendly chats" with your supervisor.
*They write leaflets, and send "love letters" signed by management to your home.
*They plan private meetings with groups of employees, where a company spokesperson can speak against the union and beg for another chance.
*They foster "anti-union committees" to "divide and conquer" the employees.
THE LIES YOU'LL HEAR
The lies the consultants will use are often as predictable as their techniques.
You'll hear that the union is bound to strike and that you will be forced to go out.
You'll hear that you will be required to pay enormous amounts of dues that corrupt union bosses will steal your dues money.
You'll hear that the union will be run by a bunch of outsiders who just want to come in and take over the workplace.
And you'll hear that the union can't guarantee you anything and that you may even lose wages and benefits.
None of the above statements are true, but they can be pretty frightening if you and your co-workers do not have the right answers ready.
BE PREPARED
For all their money and their lies, the consultants and lawyers can be beaten÷ labor unions all over country have been successful at countering their efforts and winning thousands of union election campaigns.
The key to winning is to be prepared÷ that means letting every worker know what is going on behind the scenes and who is directing the anti-union campaign.
What are six things bosses always say when you try to form or join a union?
Let's talk privately. You can trust me. I'm telling you for your own good. We're just one big happy family. Give us another chance. My door is always open.
EMPLOYERS WILL say anything to keep you from joining or forming a union. And with good reason: if you have a union, you have a voice in the decisions that affect you, your job and your family.
Your employer will try to tell you that unions cause everything from bad weather to economic destruction.
But the truth is that labor unions are a vital part of any democracy and that union membership is as American as apple pie, the only way many working people can exercise any control.
THE TRUTH ABOUT CONTRACTS
Your employer will tell you "the union can't guarantee you anything" and that you may well lose wages and benefits with the union.
The truth is that with a union, you have a right to negotiate a contract that is legal and binding and indeed does guarantee you the wages and benefits you deserve.
And the proof is indisputable÷ unionized workers in our country enjoy superior benefits and wages 20-30% higher than non-unionized workers.
WHO RUNS THE UNION?
Your employer will try to convince you that "the union" is some group of outsiders, trying to come in and "disturb the family atmosphere" and dictate what goes on in the workplace.
The truth is that you and your co-workers are the union÷ you elect your own officers and decide what you want your union to do by a democratic process.
Can you imagine your employer taking a vote on anything?
WHAT ABOUT UNION DUES?
Most likely, your employer will try to persuade you not to go union by telling tall tales about the union dues you'll be required to pay.
It takes money to run away organization. The company doesn't want you to pay dues because they know that with your organization you can have better wages and benefits and an equal voice on the job. Many union members refer to dues as "job insurance".
AND WHAT ABOUT STRIKES?
Probably the scariest thing you'll hear about unions is that they are going out on strike and that you may be forced to go on strike.
The truth is that 99% of all union contracts are settled without any sort of work stoppage at all. And you and your co-workers, because you control your union, are the only ones who can vote to strike or not to strike.
SO WHAT CAN A UNION REALLY DO?
The job of your union is to negotiate on your behalf for better wages and benefits through a legal and binding contract, then to enforce that contract and to represent you when you encounter day-to-day problems with your employer. By joining together in a union, you and your co-workers have the collective strength to make sure you get decent contracts and fair treatment on the job.
Your right to join or form a union is guaranteed by federal law under the National Labor Relations Act.
Unions are built on the ideals that have made our country great...
...including the right to stand up and speak out to improve our lives and gain a rightful share of the American dream.
