DONT AGONIZE, ORGANIZE!
Labor unions are made up of working people working together to
solve problems, build stronger workplaces and give working
families a real voice. Unions stand for fair treatment of all
working people - on the job, in our communities and in the
economy.
Unions give working people a voice in government. They
represent working families before lawmakers, and make sure
politicians never forget that working families voted them into
office.
WHY JOIN A UNION?
Unions give workers a voice on the job about safety, security,
pay, benefits - and about the best ways to get the work done.
That helps working families, the companies that employ them and
the customers who use their products and services.
Unions help working families get a fair shake in today's
economy. Union workers earn an average of (or 33 percent) more
each week than non-union workers and are much more likely to
have health and pension benefits. On the job and in national
policy debates, we are committed to seeing that working
families, not just rich CEOs, benefit from our labor.
WHO CAN JOIN?
Although, we are named the "International Association of
Machinists and Aerospace Workers", we invite all interested in
the issues and topics we focus our efforts on to join or
contact us for more information. Currently the Machinists Union
incorporates all types of employees including mechanics,
drivers, clerical workers, maintenance workers, technicians,
nurses, district attorney's, limo drivers and a variety of
other professions that include all ethnic groups, men and
women.
WHAT WE STAND FOR!
District 15 believes every employer should provide you with
decent wages, good benefits, a safe place to work, and treat
you with respect. For this reason, we continue to "Organize the
Unorganized"!
WHY WORKERS CHOOSE TO ORGANIZE
1)
When workers are unclear in respect to work schedules,
time-off, work assignments, pay cuts, or any other changes.
2)
When Supervisors lack fair, consistent and tactful disciplinary
procedures.
3)
When workers are mistreated by supervisors and owners.
4)
Disrespectful, discourteous, and inconsiderate treatment.
5)
The inability of the Company to listen when workers speak.
6)
The unwillingness of the Company to address work place
problems.
7)
Unwillingness of supervisors to represent workers when they are
right.
8)
Lack of sympathy for workers personal problems.
9)
Lack of supervisory training.
10)
Poor working Conditions.
11)
Unresolved Grievances.
12)
A lack of respect, dignity and work place justice.
13)
Low Wages, Poor Benefits and Poor Retirement Plans.(Amazingly,
Poor Wages and Benefits are usually not the primary reasons
workers organize.)
HOW DO WE JOIN?
To best fit all, we suggest you contact someone closest to your
location. Below, find a Business Representative that best suits
you. Please contact us for more information and a copy of the
application.
STATISTICS OF UNION vs. NON-UNION
According to the U.S. Department of Labor unionized workers
earn 28% more then nonunion workers. Unionized women earn 31%
more than nonunion women. Unionized African Americans earn 37%
more than nonunion African American workers. Unionized Latin
American Workers earn 55% more than nonunion Latin American
Workers.
LONGEVITY
Nearly 50 percent of union workers have been with their current
employers for at least 10 years, only 22 percent of nonunion
workers can make the same claim. Union workers have greater job
stability, in part because they're more satisfied with their
jobs, receive better pay, have better benefits and have access
to fair grievance procedures.
These are only some reasons why workers choose to Organize.
District 15 can provide you with many more benefits and urge
you to contact a Business Representative in your area. Below
find which office best suits you.
TIRED OF WORKING AND GETTING NOWHERE?
The IAM is a powerful union and your employer knows
it. Why not take the opportunity to look out for your
best interests. That’s why people just like you have chosen
to join the IAM. All they wanted was a union contract that
guarantees the wages, benefits and working conditions they
deserve. If you are interested in having a real voice on
the job…
Contact our Organizing Department:
Vincent Addeo
Director of Organizing
Location: New York Office
Email:
vaddeo@verizon.net
Each year thousands of North Americans sign up to join the IAM.
It is the belief of the IAM every working person in North America be afforded the opportunity to join collectively and negotiate with their employer over wages, benefits, and other conditions of employment.
Since 1888, the IAM has been an
advocate for working people, today that tradition and
responsibility continues.
UNION ADVANTAGE
The IAM makes good things
happen. The IAM provides dignity and respect and
allows you to have a voice at work.
The IAM also helps your community. Wages are
better for union workers and this creates a higher
standard of living allowing for better schools and
public services. Also, unions help narrow the pay
gap between races and sexes.
Here are some facts about wages:
| Category | Non-Union | Union | Difference |
| Overall | $599 | $760 | $161 |
| Women | $523 | $696 | $173 |
| African Americans | $491 | $665 | $174 |
| Latinos | $419 | $632 | $213 |
The same is true for benefits:
| Category | Non-Union | Union | Difference |
| Pensions | 14% | 69% | 55% |
| Health Benefits | 49% | 75% | 26% |
| Disability | 30% | 69% | 39% |
| Life Insurance | 51% | 82% | 31% |
| Health Benefits Co-Pay | 86% | 54% | -32% |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Earning
Your Legal Rights
Examples of Your Rights Under the Law
The law protects and guarantees your rights to do any
of the following without fear of reprisal from the
employer:
• IT’S YOUR RIGHT to form a union and bargain for increased wages, improved benefits, better working conditions, security and protection.
• IT’S YOUR RIGHT to serve on the IAM Organizing Team.
• IT’S YOUR RIGHT to ask your coworkers to assist or serve on the IAM Organizing Team.
• IT’S YOUR RIGHT to attend and take part in IAM meetings.
• IT’S YOUR RIGHT to invite your coworkers to attend and take part in IAM meetings.
• IT’S YOUR RIGHT to distribute IAM material on the employer’s property during non-working time.
• IT’S YOUR RIGHT to ask your coworkers to distribute IAM material on employer’s property during non-work time and in non-work areas.
• IT’S YOUR RIGHT to distribute IAM material away from the employer’s property.
• IT’S YOUR RIGHT to join the IAM.
• IT’S YOUR RIGHT to invite your coworkers to join the IAM on the employer’s property during non-work times and in non-work areas.
• IT’S YOUR RIGHT to wear IAM buttons, T-shirts, caps and jackets on the employer’s property during working and non-working time. (Provided such items or objects do not create a safety hazard.)
• IT’S YOUR RIGHT to ask your coworkers to wear IAM materials.
• IT’S YOUR RIGHT to phone your coworkers to discuss and encourage support for the IAM.
• IT’S YOUR RIGHT to visit the homes of your coworkers to discuss and encourage support for the IAM.
• IT’S YOUR RIGHT to meet and discuss the IAM with your coworkers on the employer’s property during non-work time and in non-work areas. (Provided the meeting does not create a disturbance in the plant.)
• IT’S YOUR RIGHT to VOTE YES for the IAM during the secret ballot election conducted by the Federal Government.
• IT’S YOUR RIGHT to accept wage increases and other improved benefits and still VOTE YES for the IAM during the secret ballot elections conducted by the Federal Government.
• IT’S YOUR RIGHT to write, sign and distribute letters, flyers or petitions supporting the IAM.
• IT’S YOUR RIGHT to ask questions and take notes during captive audience meetings conducted by the employer.
• IT’S YOUR RIGHT to make supportive statements for the IAM during captive audience meetings conducted by the company.
The situations listed above are only examples. You have many more ways to assert your rights at work. If you have any questions please contact an IAM representative who will provide specific advice regarding your activities.
IMPORTANT! If your employer prohibits you or your coworkers from exercising your rights, it may constitute an Unfair Labor Practice.
If this should happen, be sure to write down the basic facts (who, what, where, when and witnesses) and discuss the incident with your IAM representative as soon as possible.
Examples of Employer Violations
Section 8 of the Act codifies your rights. Managers, supervisors and foremen are all considered employer representatives and are obligated to obey the law. Be forewarned, employer representatives will probably try to “rev up the rumor mill” rather than make incriminating statements directly to employees. If any employer representative does any of the following, it is a violation of law and you should get in touch with an IAM representative as soon as possible.
1. Attend IAM meetings.
2. Park across the street from the meeting place to see which employees enter the meeting, or engage in any undercover activity which would indicate that the employees are being kept under surveillance to determine who is and who is not participating in the IAM program.
3. Tell employees that the employer will fire or punish them if they engage in IAM activity.
4. Lay-off or discharge any employee for IAM activity.
5. Grant employees wage increases or special concessions in order to persuade employees against being represented by the IAM.
6. Bar employees from soliciting for the IAM (asking for support and/or membership) during non-working hours.
7. Ask employees what they think about the IAM or an IAM representative.
8. Ask employees how they intend to vote.
9. Threaten employees with economic reprisal for participating in IAM activities. For example, threaten to move the facility or close the business, curtail operations or reduce employee benefits.
10. Promise benefits to employees if they reject the IAM.
11. Give financial support or other assistance to a union or to employees, regardless of whether or not they are supporting or opposing the IAM.
12. Announce that the employer will not negotiate with the IAM.
13. Tell employees that they will be fired or punished if they engage in union activities.
14. Ask employees whether they belong to the IAM or have signed an IAM Petition.
15. Ask an employee, during the interview when they are being hired, about their affiliation with the IAM.
16. Make anti-union statements or actions that might show preference for a non-union person.
17. Make distinctions between union and non-union employees when assigning overtime or desirable work.
18. Transfer employees based on their IAM affiliation or activity.
19. Purposely team up non-union employees and keep them apart from those the employer may think support the IAM.
20. Select employees for lay off to discourage support for the IAM.
21. Discriminate against IAM supporters when disciplining employees.
22. Use work assignments to discriminate against IAM supporters.
23. Discipline IAM supporters for a particular action and permit non-union employees to go unpunished for the same action.
24. Deviate from policy to get rid of an IAM supporter or member.
25. Take actions that adversely affect an employee’s job or any pay rate because of IAM activity.
26. Engage in arguments to provoke a physical confrontation with an employee about the union.
27. Threaten an IAM member or supporter through a third party.
28. Threaten the employees or coerce them in an attempt to influence their vote.
29. Promise employees a reward or a future benefit if they vote “No.”
30. Tell employees overtime work (and premium pay) will be discontinued if they choose to be represented by the IAM.
31. Say unionization will cause employees to be laid off or fired.
32. Say that unionization will take away vacations, bonuses, pensions, insurance, profit sharing, or any other benefits and privileges presently enjoyed. (This is the “start from zero” threat.)
33. Start a petition or circular against the IAM or take part in its circulation if started by employees.
34. Urge employees to try to induce others to oppose the IAM.
35. Visit the home of employees to urge them to reject the IAM.
36. Make campaign speeches to assembled groups of employees on company time within the 24-hour period before the secret ballot election.
Information that all Non-Union Employee's should know!
Why Do I need a Union?
What's the
Union Difference?
Get the facts on why:
Unions Raise Wages—Especially for Minorities and
Women
Union Pay Is Higher in Nearly All Occupational
Groups
Unions Workers Have Better Health Care and Pensions
Workers’ Incomes Are Lower in States Where Workers
Don’t Have Union Rights
Unions Are Good for Business, Productivity, and
the Economy
Unions Help Bring Low-Wage Workers Out of Poverty
Unions Help Bring Workers Into the Middle Class
