I want to join the IAM. Where do I start?
Step 1: Get together with other co-workers who would like to see a union at your place of work.
Step 2: Contact us!
Step 3: We’ll talk to you about the legal process of forming a union and help you strategize on how to get more of your co-workers involved.
Step 4: Build support for a union. This is done a number of ways. We will provide you with the support and knowledge to talk to your co-workers about the IAM, collective bargaining and what it means to live union. We will also host periodic meetings in which you can invite your co-workers.
Step 5: Hold a Union Election
Wait, there’s an election? How does that work?
If there is enough interest among your group, the IAM will file a “Petition” for representation with The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Interest is typically gauged by the percentage of workers who have signed authorization cards. A “hearing” is then needed to define the “unit”. The company and the IAM need to determine who among the group of employees are to be represented by the union. There are certain individuals such as Supervisors that may not belong in the union. Once the “unit” is defined, we contact everyone in the unit to answer any questions they may have and again assess the level of support. On average, there is 25 days between when a petition is filed and an election. Elections are secret ballot and typically held at your place of employment. The IAM becomes your official bargaining representative is 50% +1 of those voting cast a “yes” ballot.
*Note: The authorization card’s sole purpose is to show the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) there is sufficient interest in a union to hold a secret-ballot election. They are NOT membership applications and they are NOT shown to the company. The only ones that see the a-cards are the union and the NLRB. In fact, it is illegal for the company to ask to see them.
That sounds complicated. Can’t the company just “recognize” the union?
Yes. If a majority of your co-workers signs authorization cards, we can ask the company to recognize the IAM as your bargaining representative. The company has no obligation to do so, however. And while there are cases where the company will recognize the union, the majority of the time management will push to keep the workplace union free.
Why would the company fight unionization?
Because they’re worried about losing power and control. Right now, management holds all the cards. Coming together in union so you can negotiate collectively over your wages, benefits and more will change that.
What can I expect from the “anti-union” campaign?
Lies.
And lots of them.
Management will also probably hire a high-priced anti-union law firm. They’re primary objective: instill fear in the workplace. They’ll try and scare you by pedaling lies and half truths such as you’ll lose money during negotiations, the IAM will take you out on strike, etc. There will be pressure from management in the form of letters, speeches and one-one-one “chats”. There will be captive-audience meetings. They will almost certainly ask for a “second chance” and promise improvements. They may even make superficial changes meant to address your concerns. Just remember – without a negotiated agreement, nothing is guaranteed.
So, how do we fight back?
It starts with using non-work time and breaks to voice your support for the union. This will ease the fears of some by letting them know they aren’t the only ones who want to see a change in the workplace. And remember: it is illegal for any company to fire, demote or penalize and employee because of their union support.
Visit the “Your Rights” page to learn more about your rights under the National Labor Relations Act.
Who’s the “IAM”?
The IAM is a labor union. We are made up of some 600,000 working men and women in North America. We work at Boeing, Southwest Airlines, Harley-Davidson, Lockheed Martin, United Airlines and so much more. Learn more at our “About Us” page.
What exactly is a labor “union”?
We’re stronger together. Joining together in unions enables workers to negotiate for higher wages and benefits and improve conditions in the workplace. There are millions of union members in America from all walks of life. These individuals know that by speaking up together, you can accomplish more than you could on your own.
What is collective bargaining?
The process in which working people, through their unions, negotiate contracts with their employers to determine their terms of employment. Every year, millions of America’s workers negotiate or renegotiate their bargained contracts.
What happens next if we vote to join the IAM?
One of the first things we will do is survey all of the workers at your shop to identify issues and problems you would like to see addressed during negotiations with the company. A negotiating committee is then formed, consisting of employees in your bargaining unit. Alongside an experienced IAM rep, this negotiating committee then meets with the company to start contract negotiations. Once a “tentative agreement” is reached, you and your co-workers will vote on whether to accept or reject the contract offer.
What can union members bargain with their employers over?
By law, the employer is required to bargain over “wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.” This includes:
- Wages
- Health and safety procedures
- Discipline and grievance procedure
- Arbitration
- Seniority
Fringe benefits are also negotiable. This might include:
- Vacation
- Holidays
- Pensions
- Health insurance
- Sick time
- Severance pay
How much will my dues be?
Dues start with the per capita to the International of roughly $35.00/month. Any amount above that stays with the local lodge treasury and will be voted on by the local lodge membership. For example, if $20.00 a month is accepted by the membership per member – your dues would be somewhere around $55 a month. The International also considers special reduced per capita rates for low wage earners until pay is increased enough to justify full per capita.
What do my dues pay for?
Dues secure all the benefits, rights, services and privileges that are negotiated through collectively bargained contracts. Check out the “union advantage” page to see all that dues pay for.
Will my dues money go to politics?
Dues money does not go towards political candidates. Every dollar spent on political lobbying comes from voluntary donations to the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL).
Will the Union harm my employer?
No. If anything, it will help productivity. That’s because people who form a union are more satisfied and productive at work. Joining in unions also reduces costly turnover and makes the workplace safer.
Will we have to strike?
Strikes get tons of publicity, but the odds are you will never go on strike. Every year, 99 percent of all IAM negotiations are settled without a strike, through businesslike, professional negotiations with the employer. No one in the IAM can order or force a majority of members to strike against their will. Members covered by the contract are notified and given the chance to vote on the proposed agreement and on whether to strike. It takes a simple majority (50 percent plus one) of those voting to accept a contract. It takes a two-thirds majority (at least 66.6 percent) to strike.
How do dispute resolutions work at a unionized facility?
Without a union contract, employers can make whatever rules they choose, and change the rules whenever they choose. With a union contract, you have rules and legal rights in the workplace that the employer cannot change without negotiating with the union. Everyone covered by the contract has the legal right to appeal – that is, to file a “grievance” – if they believe the rules have been broken. Trained IAM stewards and business representatives will meet with management to attempt to resolve the grievance. Ultimately, cases can be taken before an impartial arbitrator to be resolved.