What is a union?
A union is an organization formed by workers who join together and use their strength to have a voice in their workplace. Through their union, workers have the ability to negotiate from a position of strength with employers over wages, benefits, workplace health and safety, job training and other important work-related issues. Unions also serve an important role making sure that management acts fairly and treats its workers with respect. Unions are democratic organizations, and its leaders are elected by the workers.
How are unions funded? What are “dues”?
As with most membership organizations, union costs are paid by member dues. Employees that chose to become dues paying union members won’t have to begin paying dues until a year after the collective bargaining agreement is signed. Dues pay for contract negotiation and enforcement cots as well as legal representation and support for all paying members.
We anticipate that CAFB union dues will be approximately $20-$30 a month. Management may use dues as an anti-union talking point, but the reality is this: the improvement in pay and benefits that come with union membership more than offset the dues members pay.
Why do I need a union?
You work in public service because you care about your community. We can do more for our neighbors, our families, and each other if we speak with one voice. When we organize as a union, we gain the strength to make real change. Together, we speak with a collective voice that our leadership cannot ignore. Unions provide critical checks and balances on the organizational leadership.
What does it mean to sign a union card?
Signing a union card means that you support the right of you and your colleagues to organize and have legally protected discussions about improving our workplace. Signing a union card signals that you agree your workplace should schedule a vote to unionize. Signed cards are kept confidential and sent to the National Labor Relations Board.
Can workers be fired for signing a union card or participating in union efforts?
The National Labor Relations Act protects workplace democracy by providing employees at private-sector workplaces the fundamental right to seek better working conditions and designation of representation without fear of retaliation. If you feel you are being retaliated against for your union efforts, please contact us so we can provide legal support.
Capital Area Food Bank is Unionizing 