Organizing

Organizing with IUOE in the United States

For Organizing in Canada, click here.

Organizing a union is about workers coming together to improve their working lives. It’s a legal, protected process that allows employees to have a collective voice in their wages, benefits, and working conditions. Whether you are just exploring your options or ready to take the next step, IUOE can help you understand your rights and the process.

Under federal law, workers have the right to:

• Join a union
• Talk with a union representative or organizer
• Attend union meetings on your own time
• Support or help form a union
• Encourage co-workers to learn about union representation

It is illegal for an employer to interfere with these rights.

Employers are legally prohibited from:

• Threatening discipline, termination, or punishment for union activity
• Threatening to close a business if workers organize
• Questioning employees about union activity or how they plan to vote
• Asking whether an employee has signed a union authorization card
• Reassigning or transferring employees to punish union activity
• Threatening loss of benefits, layoffs, or job reductions due to organizing

How Does a Workplace Become Unionized in the U.S.?

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) oversees the legal process for forming a union. IUOE locals guide workers through every step of this process. While each workplace is different, the general steps normally include:

1. Showing Interest – Employees who want union representation sign authorization cards. These cards indicate a desire to be represented by an IUOE local union for collective bargaining. At least 30% of eligible employees must sign cards before the NLRB will consider scheduling an election.
2. Filing a Petition - Once sufficient interest is shown, a petition is filed with the NLRB. The NLRB confirms who is eligible to vote. Supervisors and management are not included in the bargaining unit and do not vote.
3. Election - If the petition is approved, the NLRB schedules a confidential election. Employees vote by secret ballot. If a majority of those voting choose union representation, the union is certified.
4. Collective Bargaining - Once certified, the employer is legally required to bargain in good faith with the union to negotiate a contract covering wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Interested in organizing your workplace? Find a local or fill out our contact form to get in touch.