Q: "How can being part of a union help me?"

A: Right now, without a union, employment laws heavily favor employers. For example, did you know that under the law you are an "at will" employee and can be fired for no good reason at all? Labor laws also permit the employer to change work rules and compensation packages at will. A worker without a union, has very few protections, and little or no job security.

With a union, that's not the case. You will have a legally binding contract that will guarantee your working conditions, compensation, and benefits and provide you with a voice in securing those conditions.

Q: How exactly does a union work?

A: Unions are all about workers joining together to improve their jobs because as an employee, you will be treated better as a group than an individual and you will have a voice in your working conditions. The U.S. Government gives workers the right to form or join a labor union of their choosing in order to improve their working conditions. Each year, hundreds of thousands of workers successfully organize a union where they work.

Labor unions are built on the simple principle of solidarity, or unity, between workers. By sticking together, organizing to solve common problems, and pooling their financial resources, workers can do far more to improve their working conditions than they can individually.

Unions are democratic organizations, run by members who are elected by all members to lead the organization. All members are encouraged to participate in their union to help build it, make it stronger and keep it stronger.

Q: The Company says that the Union is only after our dues money. Why should we pay money to the Unions for our jobs?

A: In Local 369, no Union dues are paid until 30 days after your first contract has been negotiated by your elected negotiating team and voted on by all of the affected workers. Union dues are used for legal fees, economists, actuaries, public relations and Labor consultants who are used to enforce the terms of the contract and put the working people on the same playing field as companies. For Example, all companies use actuaries to project increases in healthcare, cost of living and pension benefits for the next term of the contract. It is the company's best interest to retain as much of the money as possible in order to pay for executive level employment contracts and shareholder dividends. Therefore, in order to accurately assess the company proposals for these specialized costs, the Union employs the same type of professionals to assess the Company's proposals and provide comprehensive counter proposals. This ensures a balanced negotiation to allow for the workers to receive a fair and equitable contract.

Just as Companies also pay dues to many associations and for representation to further their interests the Union acts in the same capacity for the employees.

Q: Our Company has been making rumblings about closing the plant if a union comes in. Is this true?

A: If your Company would close its doors to prevent you from having a voice in the workplace your job is not secure. You need a Union.

Your company will say or do just about anything to scare you away from voting for a union. Hinting that the plant will close or move is a common tactic employers use, even if it's not the truth.

Q: My Company has fed us lots of stories about union corruption. How accurate is this information?

A: It is rare but like any other entity, Unions are not immune to corruption. It is up to you to ensure this doesn't happen to your union. Notice that none examples of corruption have anything to do with the union you'll be joining, UWUA Local 369. We're a democratic and honest organization led by decent people like you who strive to improve the lives of the working people and their families. Ask the Company Department of Labor requires frequent filings of all labor organizations. The financial books of labor organizations are far more open than for inspection than your company's books.

Q: Management says that there will be a strike if we organize and join a Union. Is that true?

A: Greater than 98% of all contract negotiations are settled without a strike. There can only be a strike if the employees vote for a strike. It is smart to vote in favor of a strike only if you can win a strike. Strikes are very costly for Companies; they do not want a strike as much as the workers don't want a strike that is why it is in everyone's best interest to reach a fair agreement.

Q: Won't it cost the employer a lot of money if the Union comes in? Company Managers are implying that the Company can't afford a Union on site and will close if the Union comes in.

A: Companies do not go out of business because the employees are represented by a Union or because the workers are being treated fairly. Some of the most successful companies' employees are union.

Q: The Employer says that the Union can't guarantee us anything. Is that true?

A: The Union can guarantee that when workers stick together as a union they have more bargaining power and a far greater voice than they do as individuals. You decide what the contract will contain. The Union guarantees that the contract will be legally binding and enforced.

Once there is a successful election and the Union is voted in by the workers, it illegal for the company to make any changes to your working conditions and benefits.

Q: What will be in our Contract?

A: Members dictate to their elected negotiating committee by way of making contract proposals to it's Union negotiating committee to determine what should be included in a Collective Bargaining Agreement like, general working conditions, job security, safety & health, health care benefits, retiree and pension benefits.