What exactly is a union?

A union is a group of workers who form an organization to gain respect on the job, better wages and benefits, more flexibility for work and family needs, a counterbalance to the unchecked power of employers, and a voice in improving the quality of their products and services.

Why should I join IUOE Local 30?

Union members earn better wages and benefits than workers who aren't union members. Unions help employers create a more stable, productive workforce—where workers have a say in improving their jobs. Your union leadership watches out for you and makes sure that the company is treating you fairly. A fair salary for a fair day's work is what we're all about. We strive to improve the quality of life for all our members, knowing that there is more to life than just the hours spent on the job.

Weingarten Rights

Weingarten rights guarantee an employee the right to Union representation during an investigatory interview. These rights, established by the Supreme Court, in 1975 in the case of J'. Weingarten Inc,, must be claimed by the employee. The supervisor has no obligation to inform an employee that s/he is entitled to Union representation. ALL union members have Weingarten rights and must remember to use this simple statement if called into an investigatory interview by a manager or supervisor; “If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working conditions, I request that my steward or union officer be present at the meeting. Without representation, I choose not to answer any questions.” The employer will be ordered to cease and desist and to post a notice. Discipline that is imposed for insisting on Weingarten rights will be overturned. Discipline will not be overturned if the discipline was for reasons other than insistence on Weingarten rights. Although information gained by the Employer from the employee in a meeting during which a breach of Weingarten rights occurred, may be excluded from a hearing on the matter.

Does the law protect workers joining unions?

Under the law, employers are not allowed to discriminate against or fire workers for choosing to join a union. For example, it's illegal for employers to threaten to shut down their businesses or to fire employees or take away benefits if workers form a union.

What kind of workers are forming unions today?

A wider range of people than ever before, including many women and immigrants are joining unions—doctors and nurses, casino employees, poultry workers and graduate employees, home health care aides and wireless communications workers, auto parts workers and engineers, to name a few.

What have unions accomplished for all workers?

Unions have made life better for all working Americans by helping to pass laws ending child labor, establishing the eight-hour day, protecting workers' safety and health and helping create Social Security, unemployment insurance and the minimum wage, for example. Unions are continuing the fight today to improve life for all working families in America.

Companies claim that unions are only after our dues money. Why should we pay money to a union?

IUOE Local 30 does not collect union dues until after we negotiate a contract on your behalf. We use the dues money to further advance your working conditions, rights and protections. In order to fight a good battle, you need ammunition. Your dues money is used directly to make a difference for you.

What difference will I see if I join IUOE Local 30?

Union workers are more likely than their non-union counterparts to be covered by health insurance, and to receive pension benefits and paid sick leave, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. In March 2010, 84 percent of union workers were covered by health insurance through their jobs, compared with only 55 percent of nonunion workers.

Here are some other interesting facts: