There seems to be no shortage of worries about joining a Union. No shortage of nay sayers giving their reasons not to join a Union. So what are some reasons to join a Union.
Some are easy: people want better pay or better benefits. After all, Unions can bargain for wages, benefits and working conditions. If you pay attention, most company responses to Union organizing attempts focus primarily on economic issues: wages and benefits. You can expect to hear: We run a thin profit margin, we can't afford to pay you more; you can't squeeze blood from a turnip; it's Obama's fault your insurance is so expensive. Maybe the company even tells you that if you choose to organize, we'll just close up shop?
But what conversation is there about working conditions? Most companies do not want to talk about that. Why would that be? What would they say? We don't value your opinions regarding dispatching you out for four hours, unpaid, waiting on trash at a transfer station? We don't think your concerns about pulling double 45's in the snow are valid? We don't respect your judgement as a professional driver? It is not our concern that your spouse is facing serious illness and you need time off? They don't have to say that, because their actions say it for them. Everyday. Despite promising to have "an open door" to help "build the right relationship" for a "brighter future for everyone"?
We talk about Union Solutions, but really they are your solutions.
Solutions like seniority, which may not be perfect, but it is very hard to cheat seniority for personal gain.
Solutions like guaranteed scheduled time off so you can schedule and go to a doctor's appointment without burning a week's vacation, or begging your boss.
Solutions like disciplinary language to ensure you have access to due process and are given the opportunity to correct a behavior or plead your case before losing your job.
Solutions like the grievance procedure which allow you to respectfully address concerns you may have with your employer and expect a response.
Solutions like requirements to bargain which means they must engage in good faith attempts to address issues, they can't just "close the door to the office" and "not deal with you as individuals anymore."
Solutions like the Contract itself, which puts the company's word in stone, and forces them to keep it. So if they tell you you're getting a third week of vacation at 9 years, you get it at 9 years. Or if the law requires that you can drop that second trailer in the snow, you know you can do so without any fear of retaliation.
And perhaps the biggest solution of all, you have a collective bargaining agent, or an advocate, who works for you to see that your interests are being looked after and that you are getting a fair shake. Where else in your life do you have someone you can call when there is a problem at work? Someone whose job it is to protect your job, which in turn protects your family and your life? Nowhere.
Union Solutions not only give you a voice at work, but also consistency over time. You know what the rules are because you and your fellow drivers agreed to them. You know that these rules will not change because they have a contractually binding lifetime, as outlined in the agreement. You know that they won't change if a new boss comes in. And most importantly, you know you will be taken seriously because you have chosen one of America's strongest Unions to represent you as your bargaining agent. You've chosen the Teamsters.
These are but a few of the many examples of solutions other Teamsters have negotiated into their contracts over time. It is illegal for either Union or the Company to make any promises during the organizing process. But it is important for workers to understand what is not generally talked about, and is really very valuable: when it comes to a Labor Contract, you'll show up to see the economics, but you'll stay because of the conditions.
