National Labor Relations Act
The primary law that gives employees the right to unionize in the United States is the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) of 1935, also known as the Wagner Act. The NLRA establishes the rights of employees to engage in collective bargaining, form labor unions, and participate in other concerted activities for the purpose of mutual aid and protection. It also outlines the responsibilities and rights of employers and labor organizations, and it establishes the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) as the governing body responsible for enforcing the provisions of the Act. The NLRA aims to promote and protect the rights of both employees and employers in the context of labor relations and union activities.
Section 7 of NLRA
Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act (the Act) guarantees employees “the right to self-organization, to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing, and to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection,” as well as the right “to refrain from any or all such activities.”
Section 8(a) of NLRA
It's ILLEGAL for employers to do or THREATEN TO DO any of the following:
- Close the warehouse
- Fire pro-union employees
- Take away benefits
- Reduce pay
- Prohibit employees from talking about a union during work time, if they are allowed to talk about non-union things
- Withhold regularly scheduled pay increases
- Spy on union activity
- Take photos/videos on employees engaging in protected union activity
- Prohibit employees from wearing union t-shirts or buttons
- Demote employees because of their protected concerted activities
- Promise benefits for not unionizing
Understanding the NLRB
STEP 1
Educate Coworkers and Grow Support
Talk to coworkers and educate them about the benefits of unionizing. Let them know to check out this website for information.
STEP 2
Gather Union Authorization Forms
We need at least 30% of employees to sign a Union Authorization Form to proceed to voting. These cards can be filled out electronically.
STEP 3
Vote to Unionize
If 50% +1 of valid voting employees vote “Yes”, then a union will be formed.
STEP 4
Contract Negotiation
The union needs to negotiate a contact with the employer. Many companies try to blow this off, but that could create a bad public image for the employer since 70% of Americans approve of unions (according to a 2022 survey – Google it).