Organize « UFCW Local 1442

How Do I Form A Union Where I Work?

You can organize your workplace only when a majority of you and your coworkers decide you want a Union. Typically, workers sign authorization cards telling the Union they want it to represent them and to bargain a contract for them. Sometimes an employer will officially "recognize" the Union when it sees that a clear majority wants a Union. The employer will then agree to negotiate a contract with its workers. More often, a Union must petition the federal government's National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for an election to determine if a majority of the workers desires Union representation. The NLRB then conducts an impartial secret ballot election. If the Union wins the election, the way is paved for bargaining to begin with the employer.

But we live in a society of laws and lawyers — and organizing a Union, like many other things in life, requires legal expertise. UFCW Local 1442 organizers are highly trained in the rules and procedures of the National Labor Relations Act, the basic law that guarantees workers the right to form Unions where they work.

When it comes to organizing, it is not something we advise workers to attempt on their own. Knowledge, experience and organizational strength make the job much easier.

If you would like more information on organizing a Union where you work, especially if you work in one of the many industries where the UFCW represents workers — like supermarkets, department and discount stores, health care facilities, insurance companies, food processing plants, meat packing and poultry plants, breweries, distilleries and wineries, garment, textile, and chemical plants — call (310) 322-8329.

Organize

Make Your Voice Heard

Becoming a Union Member is the best way you can improve your life and your family’s future. Unions are workers helping workers to:

Improve wages, benefits, and working conditions;
Have an independent voice at work; and
Be treated with dignity and respect.
Union members earn substantially more than comparable non-union workers. The small amount you pay in dues brings large rewards not just in your paycheck but also in your benefits and working conditions.

Your Union Dues Work for You

Union representatives visit your workplace and make sure you are being treated fairly and that your legal rights are upheld.
Special discount programs and services only for members.
Organizing to protect union jobs.
Experts who voice your concerns to state and national legislators on issues of concern to working families.

A Union Contract Makes Your Life Better

At UFCW Local 1442, we strongly believe that workers should have a voice in their jobs. The only way to have a true voice in your workplace is to have a Union contract.

Unions negotiate for:
Wage increases;
Safe conditions on the job;
Employer-paid health insurance including vision, dental, and prescription drugs;
Reasonable line speeds and workload requirements;
Job security and seniority rights;
Pensions;
Paid holidays and vacations;
Opportunities for advancement; and
Protection from unfair treatment andfavoritism by the boss.

How UFCW Local 1442 Can Help You

The U.S. Government says you have the legal right to joina Union or help organize a Union where you work.

The more workers join together to fight fortheir rights, the more management listens towhat we have to say.
Only Union members can participate in negotiations and vote on Union contracts.
The more you and your co-workers areinvolved in the union, the more everyone gains — better wages, better working conditions,and better benefits.

What You Can Do

Join UFCW Local 1442 and ask your co-workers to join.
Talk to your co-workers about the benefits of being a Union member.
Start thinking about improvements you want on your job.
Together, you and your co-workers can make your company a better place to work.

Could you benefit from having a Union at your workplace?

You have the right to join a Union. Contact our Organizing Department for information. Call (310) 322-8329.

Build a Better Future for your Family

If your place of work is not covered by a union contract, you have no guarantee that the employer will comply with all the rights and protections provided you under federal and state laws. What if your overtime pay was calculated improperly? What if you were unfairly discriminated against? In these cases it is up to you to represent yourself.

Workers with a Union, on the other hand, have a contract, an on-site representative, and an organization standing beside them. They also have much more than the minimum guarantees of federal and state laws; they have better wages, better pensions, better insurance, and a way of correcting inappropriate management actions. They have guaranteed rights and guaranteed representation. They have a written contract.

Could you benefit from having a Union at your workplace? Know that you have the right to join a Union! Contact our Organizing Department for more information. Call (310) 322-8329.

We’re here to help