So you want to form a union? But how does it work?
Step 1: Building a Network of Healthcare Professionals
The union is made up of you and your coworkers! It is our voice on the job. The first step is talk to your coworkers about standing together and forming a union. You and your coworkers will form a committee to see if your coworkers are interested in forming a union. As healthcare professionals, we have more power when we stand together than when we try to make change alone. That is exactly why millions of healthcare workers in the United States and Canada have formed healthcare unions.
Step 2: The Authorization Card
Once there is enough support for forming a union, you and your coworkers will sign union authorization cards. An authorization card is a simple piece of paper stating you are willing to stand with your coworkers and form a union to negotiate over the factors that affect patient care. This includes your pay, benefits and conditions of work. Signing a card helps you build support for your new union and ensures that you’re ready for the next step.
Step 3: Your Election
Once an overwhelming majority of healthcare professionals have signified they want to form a union: we will file for a union election. The election process is overseen by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), an independent federal government agency that enforces the rights of workers in the United States of America. The next step begins after the election has been won by a simple majority. In some cases, signing cards can count as voting.
Step 4: Your First Contract
Congratulations you’ve won your election! Now it’s time to take your employer to the negotiating table. You and your coworkers will elect your union representatives (comprised of your coworkers), you will ask your coworkers which issues they feel the most strongly about, and then take those issues to management. Once an agreement is reached at the table: dues and the terms and conditions of the contract are put into place after you and your coworkers have voted on them. Healthcare professionals win the best contracts when they are well-organized, unified, and committed to strong participation in their negotiations.
That sounds complicated. Can’t the company just “recognize” the union?
Yes. If a majority of your co-workers signs authorization cards, we can ask the company to recognize the IAM as your bargaining representative. The company has no obligation to do so, however. And while there are cases where the company will recognize the union, the majority of the time management will push to keep the workplace union free.
Why would the company fight unionization?
Because they’re worried about losing power and control. Right now, management holds all the cards. Coming together in union so you can negotiate collectively over your wages, benefits and more will change that.
What can I expect from the “anti-union” campaign?
Lies.
And lots of them.
Management will also probably hire a high-priced anti-union law firm. They’re primary objective: instill fear in the workplace. They’ll try and scare you by pedaling lies and half truths such as you’ll lose money during negotiations, the IAM will take you out on strike, etc. There will be pressure from management in the form of letters, speeches and one-one-one “chats”. There will be captive-audience meetings. They will almost certainly ask for a “second chance” and promise improvements. They may even make superficial changes meant to address your concerns. Just remember – without a negotiated agreement, nothing is guaranteed.
Visit the FAQ page to learn more about dues, strikes and other issues that will undoubtedly come up.
So, how do we fight back?
It starts with using non-work time and breaks to voice your support for the union. This will ease the fears of some by letting them know they aren’t the only ones who want to see a change in the workplace. And remember: it is illegal for any company to fire, demote or penalize and employee because of their union support.
Visit the “Your Rights” page to learn more about your rights under the National Labor Relations Act.
That seems like an awful lot of work. Is it worth it?
Every single one of us who puts in an honest day’s work deserves to have the ability to follow our true passions and live life doing the things we love. Unfortunately, in too many cases, that’s not how it works. Our wages remain stagnant while executives and management reap the spoils of our work. We miss fishing trips, soccer games or whatever it is that fulfills us because we are forced to work on our days off. Each year our benefits seem to get worse and worse.
The ONLY way to truly counter this is with the power of many. That means working together to change the rules in our workplaces. In doing this, we’ll start building better lives for those of us that are building the products and providing the services that make our nation great.
So… Yes. It’s worth it.