G&D Integrated will not tell workers the truth about forming a union.
Here are some myths and common misconceptions that workers need to know the truth about.
Won’t the union force me to go on strike?
Management and other employer “mouth pieces” will tell you that the Union will force you out on strike – whether you want to or not. They’ll try to create fear by telling you that during a strike you can lose your job. They’ll ask you how you and your family will survive.
The Truth: If the employer says that having a Union means you’ll be forced to strike, the employer is lying. In fact, when the employer threatens that the Union will force you out on strike, the employer is breaking the law. A strike is a decision voted on by you and your co-workers. If a majority of you doesn’t vote to strike, there won’t be one. That’s why strikes are so rare.
Employer “Vote No” Committees
Often during the organizing campaign, a “Vote No” Committee will surface. Members may be recruited from friends and relatives of management. They’re usually promised special treatment or promotions for doing the employer’s dirty work. The “Vote No” committee will pass out literature filled with employer distortions, spread false rumors and insult your co-workers who support the Union.
The Truth: The employer knows that if you and your co-workers are united, you can stand up and win your rights. It will use the “Vote No” Committee as a wedge to try to “divide and conquer,” because it wants to create confrontation and division. The Union creates a sense of common purpose and solidarity among you. The Union promotes inclusion, communication, and input from all workers.
Isn't the union just in it for the dues?
Management will tell you that the Union just wants your money. They will attempt to mislead you by talking about the high cost of dues and initiation fees and how they are spent.
The Truth: You pay no dues until you review and vote to accept your contract. You actually have an opportunity to see how an IW contract can improve working conditions and economic benefits prior to paying dues. Dues are used to provide educational, legal, technical, and other professional resources and services needed to level the playing field when dealing with management.
Is there any real benefit? Isn't the union just an outsider?
Management will also call the Union an “outsider.” The employer will tell you that the Union will take your dues to pay big salaries of Union bosses. They will tell you that you will never benefit from paying dues money.
The Truth: IW members decide how to spend their dues money. A percent of all dues comes back to your local to make your Union strong. The rest goes toward a range of professional services that work for you, including lobbying state and federal government on worker issues and providing legal backup if the employer violates the contract you negotiate.
Don't unions promote conflict and violence?
The employer will try to scare you and your family by saying that the Union will promote violence and conflict. Near election time, the employer may cause problems or confrontations, then blame it on the Union.
The Truth: IW exists to solve problems peacefully. Workers and management sit down as equals to talk about them. Discussing problems, resolves conflicts and avoids violence.
Can't the employer just decide not to negotiate/sign the contract?
The employer will claim it doesn’t have to sign a contract even if you vote Union. Since it is illegal to directly threaten not to sign a contract, the employer will say it doesn’t have to agree to what you want in a contract.
The Truth: The employer is legally required to negotiate with the Union. Nearly every employer talks tough during an organizing campaign. But ask your employer representative how many other contracts it negotiates – with suppliers, vendors, customers, etc., to keep its operations on track. In fact, ask the executives if they have an employment contract. Ask them what it covers. Ask them to let you see it.
Isn't there a chance I could lose the benefits I already have?
The employer will tell you that when you negotiate a contract, you’ll lose the wages and benefits you already earn. They will attempt to make you believe that you gain nothing with a Union.
The Truth: First contract negotiations begin with the pay and benefits you now have. You’ll build from there. You’ll decide what to ask for in your contract, and then you vote on it. The strength of your contract will be as strong as the strength and participation of you and your co-workers in the Union.
Won't my employer have to cutback/layoff if we organize?
Management and employer “yes-men” will tell you that there may be cutbacks and layoffs because of the Union. They will claim that a Union cannot save jobs. They usually point out loss of jobs at specific Union employers in an attempt to scare workers into voting no.
The Truth: It is against the law for management to threaten loss of jobs if workers vote for a Union. More than ever, during tough times, it’s important to have the protection of a Union contract.
Maybe my employer just doesn't know we aren't satisfied.
Your manager or supervisor will start treating you better and show a sudden concern for your well-being. You’ll be told that they didn’t know you and your co-workers were dissatisfied – that problems will be worked out. Management will provide opportunities for you to share your concerns.
The Truth: When workers give employers another chance, they end up bitterly disappointed. If the employer wins, nothing changes.
Watch out for employer “promises”
Your employer will try to make you feel special and might promise a promotion. They may try to tell you that a Union will keep you from getting job advancements. The employer may promise special treatment and favors if you turn against the Union.
The Truth: It is illegal for the employer to promise anything to you for not being involved with the Union. Still, they will make “deals” with some of your co-workers to make them feel important. Their special “deals” will never amount to the gains they’d make with a Union contract.
Aren't union supporters bad employees?
The employer’s “mouth pieces” will tell you the Union is bad and try to make Union supporters look like they’re doing something wrong.
The Truth: Workers choose to become Union members because they care about their jobs and their employer. You and your co-workers have good ideas – a Union gives you the means to have real input in workplace changes through a formal enforceable process. It’s illegal for an employer to threaten or discipline workers for their Union activities.
Aren't there no guarantees?
Management will attempt to make you feel that a Union is useless by stating “there are no guarantees,” which is true, until you negotiate and secure them in a contract.
The Truth: A Union guarantees that you will have a seat at the negotiating table where decisions are made on wages, hours and working conditions. It guarantees an opportunity for real input in decisions affecting work place change. IW guarantees that you will have the resources available to deal with management at all levels. A negotiated contract is your guarantee.
Have a question that wasn't answered?
Contact us if you have a thought or concern that wasn't addressed here:
