Unionization Process Review
Understanding the unionization process is key as we continue to organize for a reasonable contract.
The following is a general overview of the step-by-step process involved in many successful organizing campaigns.
Please note:
- This is a fluid process, not static. Organizing steps often overlap.
- We are organizing in a safe workplace environment. Process may be slightly different if management were outwardly opposed to organizing. It is assumed that WGAW leadership will tolerate our workplace organizing, as long as it does not interfere with our day-to-day work.
- Organizing unions take time. Organizing could happen quickly or we might take time to get a strong majority of our co-workers on board. It's important to be both consistent and persistent.
Common Steps in Unionization Process:
1. Conversation about 'Unionization' begins
2. Small group of interested workers meet informally
3. Union Authorization Petition (or cards) are developed--small group begins to collect signatures
4. The group of interested workers grows, workers develop a list of issues that includes all workers' ideas of workplace improvement
5. Meetings are schedule to education & involved workers. Signatures collection continues
Goal is to collect 75-80% (demonstration of strong support) of staff signatures before approaching management.
6. Present Strong Show of Signatures To Management (VOLUNTARY EMPLOYER RECOGNITION)
7. The Group designs a formal Bargaining Survey to prioritize identified issues
8. Bargaining Unit collectively prioritizes bargaining issues into a set of proposals
9. Bargaining Team is elected (the overall group decides best way to elect Bargaining Team)
10. Bargaining Begins
Note: Good contracts are won not at the table, but with the workers and their collective power!
11. Bargaining Unit votes on bargained contract
12. If ratified, VICTORY! If not ratified, bargaining & pressure continues
Again, this is a fluid process.
Your input in necessary to determine the best process for our Staff Union.
Don't stand on the sidelines! Get involved! Come to meetings and ensure that YOUR VOICE IS HEARD!
3 comments:
JHOV posted:
"Organizing unions take time. Organizing could happen quickly or we might take time to get a strong majority of our co-workers on board. It's important to be both consistent and persistent."
Also to be taken into consideration is the possibility of the development of an anti-union movement. Assumptions and fallacies will take place and it will be important to keep those who are undecided but leaning toward signing informed with the facts.
One fact is that the WGA Membership spent four and a half months on the picket line and refused to break ranks as was intended by the Companies. The WGA Membership, Board of Directors and our Executive Director and Executive Staff are not in favor of union busting. Recognition by the Companies that non-covered writers SHOULD be WGA covered is a top priority by the WGA.
Therefore organizing a WGA Staff Union is in line with the mission of our Employer, it shouldn't be fought either by management or by staff.
What do we want???
CONTRACT !!!
When do we want it???
NOW !!!
Guild management, and rightfully so, asked the staff to volunteer and picket in support of the janitors, the airline pilots and hotel workers and many of us did. In light of this, do you think they will fight us on organizing our own a staff union?
And..don't forget...
This Thursday the organizing continues...
STAFF UNION MEETING
Tuesday, June 24th
6pm - 7:00pm
Farmer's Market Community Room,
2nd Floor
Bring a co-worker!
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