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Common Misconceptions and the Truth
Management will always oppose a
union, that’s a fact. Your managers and supervisors will employ empty
promises, lies and threats when you try to organize. To win, you must set
the record straight. If you want a union, read this page and discuss it with
your colleagues. Management has been using these deceptions to intimidate
workers for years. Don’t let them do it again.
Deception #1
Supervisors and plant managers usually come around asking for another
chance to change problems on the job, once an organizing drive gathers some
momentum. The company may tell you that they didn't know you and your
co-workers were so dissatisfied. Your supervisor may well start treating you
better and showing new concern for your well being.
The Truth:
When workers give the company a second chance, they are always
bitterly disappointed. Once the pressure is off, the company rarely
changes. In most cases, your chance of winning an organizing drive is best
the first time around. Don't be tricked out of your first, best chance.
Deception #2
Although it is illegal, the company will say you'll be bargaining from
scratch. Management will tell you that when you negotiate a contract, you'll
lose the wages and benefits you already have.
The Truth:
It is illegal for an employer to threaten to reduce benefits if a
union is voted in. When you negotiate a first contract, you start from the
pay and benefits you already have and build on them. You decide what to
ask for in your contract. The
power of the contract will
depend largely on the strength
in participation of you
and your co-workers.
Deception #3
The company may tell you you’ll never benefit from a Teamster contract
because they’ll never sign one. Since it is illegal to say this directly,
they may say, "Remember, we don't have to agree to what you want in the
contract."
The Truth:
Your company is legally required to negotiate with the union you
choose. Every company talks tough before workers organize; don’t let them
bully you. It’s in the company’s interest to keep its employees satisfied
and keep the work flowing. Once you present them with reasonable contract
proposals, management usually compromises.
Deception #4
They’ll tell you the plant may close if they have to deal with a union.
They’ll tell you that unions are bad for business. They’ll say most anything
to convince you that unionizing will threaten your job.
The Truth:
Companies fold for economic reasons. The vast majority of failed
businesses are non-union. If your company is really in bad shape, let them
prove it by opening their books.
Deception #5
Management may tell you that a union can force you out on strike whether
you want to go or not. They may threaten that if you leave your job for a
strike you could lose it forever. They may ask you how your family will
survive if you are forced out on strike.
The Truth:
When a company threatens that a union will force you out on strike, they
break the law. No union can force you to strike. A strike is a decision
voted on by you and your co-workers. If the majority doesn’t want a
strike, there is no strike. Almost 99 percent of all Teamster contract
negotiations are resolved without a strike.
Deception #6
The company will tell you that the union just wants your money. They may
lie about the amount of dues you will pay to be a Teamster.
The Truth:
The improvements in pay and benefits you get with a Teamster contract
outweigh the cost of your dues, usually by a huge margin. The improvements
in your working conditions and in the dignity with which you are treated
are immeasurable. Teamster dues average two & 1/2 hours pay per month. An
organization that works for you is worth paying for.
Deception #7
The company will try to scare you by saying that unions bring violence
and conflict. Near election time, management sometimes will cause problems
and then blame the union.
The Truth:
Collective bargaining’s very reason for existence is to solve problems
peacefully. With Teamster representation, workers and management sit down
as equals - at the bargaining table and in the grievance process. This
doesn’t create violence, it prevents it.
Deception #8
The company will tell you that a union just takes your dues money to pay
the high salaries of union elected officials.
The Truth:
Union expenses, including the salaries of union officers, are approved
by the membership. Union money is spent solely for their members' benefit.
Your dues can only be increased by a majority vote. Union members decide
how union money is spent.
Deception #9
Your supervisor may suggest that you can get a promotion or better pay
if you support management. He’ll probably tell you that the company will
give special treatment and favors to workers who are "team players" who vote
against unionizing.
The Truth:
Not only is this illegal, it’s usually not true. Generally any special
treatment ends on election day. Many workers who are tricked this way find
themselves treated just as poorly as their co-workers after a union
organizing drive is defeated.
Deception #10
Before a union election, a so-called "Vote No" committee often
mysteriously appears. This committee does management’s dirty work. It passes
out literature filled with company lies about the union. It spreads rumors
and insults co-workers who support the union. "Vote No" committee members
may be recruited from friends and relatives of management. Usually, they are
promised special treatment or a promotion for their foul deeds.
The Truth:
Your company knows that if you and your co-workers are unified,
you can stand up for your rights. The aim of an anti-union committee is to
divide people and create hatred. Managers may try to divide people, but
unions bring people together. Don’t fall for the company’s lies.
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