YOUR CONTRACT

Q. Who will negotiate our contract?
A. After the employees successfully organize, you and your co-workers will nominate and elect a bargaining committee representing all shifts. A USW representative with the assistance of your committee will negotiate a contract with your employer. Once a contract is successfully negotiated the members vote by secret ballot to approve it before the contract goes into effect.

Q. Does the USW support Team Concepts?
A. Yes. The USW actively educates the membership how to get the most from employee involvement programs and assists in negotiating competitive Gain Sharing Programs which protect both employee and employer interests.

Q. Can our employer close or move if we vote for union representation?
A. It is illegal for your employer to close or even threaten to close your workplace because the employees organize with the USW. If your employer makes this kind of threat, let us know as soon as possible.

Q. Our employer told us that “bargaining starts from scratch” if we form a union?
A. Wrong. Once organized, management must bargain from current wages and benefits. It is illegal for your employer to threaten that “bargaining starts from scratch”. Ask management to put their illegal words in writing and to sign it.
The fact is, millions of union workers negotiate and approve fair contracts every day.

Q. Does our employer have to negotiate if we organize our workplace?
A. Yes. Federal law requires the company to “bargain in good faith” with the committee which you elect.

Q. How often do strikes occur?
A. 98% of all labor contracts are settled peacefully at the bargaining table. Only a two-thirds majority vote by secret ballot, can ever call a strike.

Q. Who decides what will be in our contract?
A. YOU DO. Once organized, the employees will hold meetings, elect your bargaining committee and determine what bargaining issues will be negotiated. Once your proposals are set, a USW Representative will assist you in negotiating your first contract.