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FAQ's About the Union

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Submitted by Andrea on May 5, 2009 - 11:40am.
Frequently Asked Questions About the UAW
 
Question
Q:What is the UAW and how does it work?
 
Answer
A: The UAW is one of the largest and most diverse unions in the United States, with members in virtually every sector of the economy. It is a democratic organization, run by its dues-paying members. Members elect local union officers and bargaining committees, and they also elect delegates who vote to establish policies on collective bargaining, political action, and other issues.
 Question
Q: How much are union dues?
 
Answer
A: UAW dues are two hours of straight-time pay per month. You don’t pay any dues until after a first contract is approved.
 
Question
Q:  Who runs the union?
 
Answer
A: You and your coworkers are the union - coming together to solve problems. You’re an important part of the team that makes your company a success - and you have a right to be heard whenever decisions are made about your workplace. By joining with your co-workers to create your own local union you’ll have a much stronger voice than any individual worker could have standing alone. A union is not a “third party” - it’s a vital second party, which creates balance, fairness and stability between labor and management.
 Question
Q: Who decides what will be in our contract?
 
 
Answer
A: If you and your co-workers choose to form a local union in your workplace, you’ll elect a bargaining committee to negotiate with your employer. You’ll have access to the full resources and support of the International Union - including attorneys, financial analysts, health care and pension specialists, health and safety experts, and much more. It will be up to you and your co-workers, however, to make final decisions. All UAW contracts must be approved by majority vote.
 Question
Q: Why does my employer keep talking about strike?
 
Answer
A: Because employers want to scare you. Fact is, strikes are extremely rare – 98% of all UAW contracts are settled without a strike. Two-thirds of the workers must vote to strike before a strike can be authorized. That’s because a strike vote has a deep impact on workers, families, companies and communities and UAW members take their responsibilities in this area very seriously. But the strike remains a powerful bargaining tool for workers whose employers are unwilling to bargain in good faith.
 Question
Q: What are my legal rights if I want to try to form a union?
 
Answer
A: The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) provides the legal framework for every working person to join together to form a union if he/she so chooses. It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against you in any way simply because you support having a union in your workplace.
 
Question
Q: What impact do unions have on the global economy?
 
Answer
A: Hundreds of thousands of U.S. workers in some of the most competitive industries in the world – like auto, aerospace and construction equipment – are UAW members. Our union has worked hard to help these companies stay successful by developing positive partnerships that focus on quality, safety and long-term productivity. 
 Question
Q: My boss talks about UAW plants that have closed.  Will happen to us?
 
Answer
A:  Millions of workers in the United States have joined unions and have jobs at productive, profitable factories. Layoffs and plant closings can happen at union plants - but they happen more often at non-union plants. In fact, 90% of all layoffs take place at non-union plants. In many cases, the UAW has played a pivotal role in helping to prevent plant closings.
Let’s be clear: In the global economy there are no guarantees against plant closings. But forming a union does give you and your co-workers a seat at the table with management to talk about investment, sourcing, job security, and other issues, which will affect the future of your plant. Non-union workers have no voice whatsoever in these decisions. 
 
 Question
Q:  Do union plants ever add jobs?
 
Answer
A: Yes. Unionized companies like Ford and Freightliner have all added jobs in recent years. In many cases, a labor-management partnership can contribute to new investment and job growth. At the Alcoa Forging Plant in Cleveland, Ohio, for example, UAW Local 1050 negotiated a new modern operating agreement in 1996, paving the way for investment in two new facilities devoted to the production of automobile wheels. Four hundred new UAW jobs were added as a result.
Question
 Q: I would like to see some changes at work, but I think I can handle it on my own.  Why do I need A union?
 
Answer
A: Every individual has plenty to contribute when it comes to solving problems at work. But a single voice can easily be ignored. Joining together to make things better is a proud American tradition, from the patriots who started our country, to the tens of millions of people who belong to religious groups, civic associations, and professional organizations. Your employer pays dues to the Chamber of Commerce and other trade associations that represent the interests of business to the public and to local, state and federal governments. Millions of American workers have chosen to join unions, in order to have a voice in the workplace, and to be part of an organization that stands for the interests of working families.
 

  For more information: log onto www.UAW.org or call 1-800-2-GET-UAW

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