how to start a union

How to Start a Union at Your Workplace

Understanding Unions

A union is an organization of workers who join together to have a voice in issues like pay, benefits, and working conditions. Unions give workers more power to influence decisions that impact them. By joining together, workers can negotiate for better wages, hours, and policies that management might not otherwise provide.
Forming a union is the legal right of private sector employees, guaranteed by the National Labor Relations Act. However, the process can be challenging without knowing where to start. This article will break down the key steps for employees to successfully organize.

Preparing to Start a Union

Before announcing a union drive, it’s important to lay the groundwork:

Talk to Coworkers

Reach out to coworkers one-on-one to gauge their support for a union. Explain the benefits of having a collective voice and find others who share your concerns. If 30% show interest, you have a solid starting point. But aim higher to account for some dropping out later.

Research Unions in Your Industry

Unions organize by industry or trade so employees can advocate for standards specific to their workplace. Some top unions include:
Service industry: SEIU
Public sector: AFSCME
Manufacturing: UAW
Performers: SAG-AFTRA
Contact unions you are considering to understand their organizing process and any industry-specific strategies.

Know Your Legal Protections

The National Labor Relations Board enforces laws around unionizing. Under the NLRA, it’s illegal for employers to:
Fire, demote, harass, or retaliate for union activity
Threaten to close the business if workers unionize
Spy on or surveil union gatherings
Interrogate workers about union support
Document any violations for later charges.

Learn Company Policies

Get a sense of existing policies around pay, benefits, hiring and firing. This helps identify the areas most in need of change and set goals for what the union wants to achieve.

Announcing the Union Drive

Once a strong base of support exists, it’s time to go public:

Form an Organizing Committee

Recruit respected coworkers from diverse job roles to be on the organizing committee. This gives credibility and helps attract more supporters.

Decide on Union Representation

Workers can organize independently or align with an established union who provides direction, resources, and leverage during negotiations. Weigh the pros and cons of each option given your workplace culture and industry.

Send a Petition to Management

To show majority support, have coworkers sign cards or a petition saying they want union representation. Send this to the labor relations department along with a letter requesting voluntary recognition. Avoid confrontation but be firm in this communication.

File for an Election

If the company declines voluntary recognition, file a petition with the NLRB for a union election. Thirty percent of workers signing cards triggers an election. The NLRB then sets a date for employees to vote on having union representation.

Running an Organizing Campaign

The weeks before a union election are critical for persuading coworkers.

Identify Issues That Resonate

Poll coworkers to find the problems they care most about. Common issues include wages, scheduling, safety, discrimination, and favoritism. Use these topics as rallying cries.

Educate Coworkers on the Benefits

Communicate regularly about how forming a union can empower workers to create positive change. Some key advantages include:
Higher wages through collective bargaining
Protections against unfair discipline
Health insurance and other improved benefits
Legal support for workplace issues
Make the case for why conditions would improve with union representation.

Respond to Employer Resistance

Companies facing an organizing drive often hire union-busting consultants, hold captive audience meetings, or otherwise attempt to discourage unionizing. Be ready to counter messaging about dues, strikes, and loss of direct communication with management. Reassure coworkers and remind them this is about gaining a voice, not losing control.

Get Out the Vote

In the final days before an election, phone bank, leaflet or go door-to-door urging coworkers to vote yes for the union. Remind them when and where to vote. Offer rides if needed. Generate enthusiasm so turnout is high!

Negotiating a Union Contract

If workers vote to unionize, it’s time to negotiate a contract locking in improved wages, benefits and working conditions.

Bargain as a Committee

Representatives from across the workplace meet regularly with management to propose contract changes. Prioritize asks based on the employee survey, starting with areas of greatest need.

Leverage Collective Power

Walkouts, picket lines, social media campaigns and other tactics can pressure resistant companies to meet demands. Remind them of the business costs if workers strike or publicly speak out.

Call In a Mediator If Needed

If talks stall, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service provides neutral advisors to help facilitate agreements. Mediators propose compromises but don’t impose settlements.

Vote to Ratify

Once a tentative deal is reached, workers vote whether to accept the new contract. Majority support is needed to ratify and make it official.
Starting a union brings challenges but yields significant power and protections for employees long-term. With step-by-step organizing and persistent advocacy, workers can transform even the most resistant workplaces. The outcome enables employees to have an equal voice in decisions impacting their lives.