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Organizing 101

The fundamental right, and legal right, to bargain collectively and democratically in the workplace is something that workers in many other industries have enjoyed for decades. With a strong voice in the IT industry, we can accomplish our goals and raise the workplace standard for the long term - but only by working together and speaking with a collective voice.

So, you may be wondering, "How do I organize a union in my workplace?"

  1. Figure out what needs to change
    What do you want to see change? Is it the long hours, the lack of benefits, or a feeling of being voiceless when it comes to decisions that affect your life and well being? Talk to your co-workers so you can find out what issues they have with your employer. There are bound to be some differences, but you are likely to find that a lot of the same issues are of concern to your co-workers as well.

    Take note: What you're doing is completely legal. It is your legal right to discuss employment conditions with your co-workers and to join together to negotiate work conditions with your employer.

    Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) is a federal law guaranteeing that right - and will protect you if your employer takes negative action, such as harassment, threats to layoff, or discipline, for discussing organizing a union in your workplace. Under the NLRA Act of 1947, all workers have "the right to self-organization, to form, to join, or assist labor organizations." Furthermore, the same act states that employers are not allowed to "interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees in the exercise of the rights guaranteed in Section 7."

    This is good information to keep handy, as some people are skittish when it comes to voicing their concerns about workplace conditions.

  2. Get Organized
    After talking with your co-workers to find out about their issues, you can contact WashTech, which is a local of the Communications Workers of America to enlist the help of a union organizer. The organizer can help you create a plan for a organizing a union in your workplace.

    An organizing campaign will consist of talking with co-workers about the union and asking them to sign a petition of support. A typical workplace campaign requires a strong majority of support (65% of employees) from people who are interested in change.

  3. Approach the Management with Your Mission
    Once the group has agreed on what issues to discuss, you'll develop a mission statement - basically stating what you want to achieve. It's important to have a clear statement - in writing - that includes all the issues the group wants addressed, so that everyone knows what he or she is backing. It also will help to present a clear message to management, so it knows what it needs to change to make a better workplace for you, the employees. Entering into collective bargaining with your employer comes next, in which negotiations about worker issues take place.

    Take Note: Organizing help is available. If necessary, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) can help conduct a union vote in your workplace, at which point your employer is legally required to negotiate in "good faith" with the union on a written contract covering wages, hours, and other working conditions.