Unions and Alternatives (Click on link for more information)

Basic Beliefs

No one can deny that Unions were essential for the working man getting fair wages. However, over the past 40 years, Unions have put many companies out of business with outdated thinking, poor work standards, inefficient labor rules and the never ending demand for more pay and benefits. Although conditions vary from one union shop to another, in quite a few union shops, unions protect the lazy and irresponsible. A well run company does not need a union.

Specific legislation needed

If a majority of employees are unhappy with conditions, there needs to be an alternative other than doing nothing and joining a union. If employees are unhappy about conditions with the company they work for, they can petition to join a union. If the petition drive is successful, then management has one month to meet with workers and determine what the grievances are and one more month to implement changes. Whatever changes are made become written policy for the company. Following this two month period, there is a 3 month trial period under which the workers work under the new agreement before they vote to officially join or not join the union. If the changes are satisfactory, then the workers can vote “No” to join the union and save union dues. Otherwise they can vote “Yes” and join the union.

Currently, a simple majority is needed by workers to join the union, with the company winning a tie. This should change and be based on the pay rate for workers. The better pay & benefits you get, the higher percentage of votes needed to unionize.

Union needs 60% of vote if:

Company supplies health insurance. The bottom pay rate is at least $14 an hr after 3 months for production workers, and $10 for non production workers (janitors, etc.) it will take a 55% vote to join a union, and to leave the union will take only a 45% vote.

Union needs 67% of vote if:

Company supplies health insurance. The bottom pay rate is at least $15.50 an hr after 3 months for production workers, and $11 for non production workers (janitors, etc.) it will take a 60% vote to join a union, and to leave the union will take only a 40% vote.