Organize Your Workplace

Are you and your coworkers frustrated by unsafe working conditions, unfair treatment by the management of your company, and low compensation for the value to your place of employment? Are you afraid to approach management to make necessary changes out of a fear of retaliation, or has voicing your concerns fallen on deaf ears?

We get it.  What’s more, you’re not alone.

Workers in America spend more than half of our waking hours on the job.  Our jobs are personal to us – and we all want the dignity of being valued for the work that we do. Yet, as companies ship jobs elsewhere, there is a domino effect that takes place across our country.  People are being asked to do more with less, as income inequality rises and the middle class shrinks.

What is A Union?

A union is a group of workers coming together to better their wages, hours, and working conditions.

You Have Rights!

Under Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act, the government guarantees your right to:

• Help form or join a union;
• Bargain over wages, benefits, and working conditions with your employer;
• Have small group meetings at lunchtime or break time in a non-work area;
• Talk about the union on your own time;
• Distribute literature in non-work areas on non-work time;
• Attend union meetings without interference from your boss;
• Wear union buttons; and
• Solicit other employees for union membership, both on lunch or on a break — even on company property, such as break rooms or parking lots.

What An Employer Cannot Say Or Do. (T.I.P.S.)

T is for Threats. Employers cannot threaten employees with consequences if they support or vote for the union. Employers can’t discipline, terminate, reduce benefits, or take other adverse action against employees because they support a union.

I is for Interrogate. Employers are not allowed to ask employees questions about the organizing effort, what they think about it, or the names of employees who support the union or attend meetings.

P is for Promise. Employers cannot promise pay increases, greater benefits, promotions or other valuable items in exchange for keeping the union out.

S is for Surveillance. Using spies (whether employees or not), video cameras, or taking photos of people attending a union meeting are all banned as surveillance.

Have Questions, Or Are You Ready To Take The First Step?

If you’re searching for a solution to ongoing issues at your workplace, Teamsters Local 988 is here to help. Reach out to Organizing Director, Ricardo Hidalgo at 310.251.6876 or by email.

We’re here to help you be safe, earn a livable wage, and understand your rights as an employee.