TYPICAL UNION TACTICS USED DURING DECERTIFICATION OR DEAUTHORIZATION ELECTIONS
When employees realize that they have been roped into a union, often employees will look for ways to either decertify the union or (at a minimum) remove the union's ability to take their money under the threat of termination (through a Union Income Security Clause). Once unions discover employees are undermining the union's ability to continue collecting money, unions typically attempt a variety of tactics to keep control of the employees' workplace. The following is an overview of typical tactics unions use during decertification, as well as deauthorization, attempts:
BLOCKING (OR DELAYING) YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE Since your employer is not allowed (by law) to help you kick your union out, unions will often file Unfair Labor Practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against your employer alleging that your employer is behind your efforts. This has the purpose of delaying (sometimes for months or longer) the NLRB from holding your election while the NLRB conducts its invesitgation. In the meantime, most unions will try to do everything in their power to convince you and your co-workers that you should not kick it out (or deauthorize it from collecting your money).
IMPLIED (OR ACTUAL) THREATS Often, unions will deploy their organizers and business agents to convince you and your co-workers to not get rid of the union. The union may even go so far as to attempt to scare you into keeping the union by threatening that you will lose something by getting rid of the union. In some cases, unions will even threaten to place members on trial, or worse. If you feel your rights are being violated by a union, you do have the legal right to file an Unfair Labor Practice charge agains the union. You can contact the National Labor Relations Board by going here.
INSULATE YOURSELF The best way to insulate yourself and your co-workers is by knowing your rights. To review your Section Seven Rights, under the National Labor Relations Act, go here.
All information and materials on 1-888-NO-UNION.COM are free. The information and materials on this site are for informational purposes only. Nothing on this website constitutes, nor should it be viewed as legal advice or advice to either employees or employers. Moreover, the information provided on this site should NOT be construed as advice for employees on how to exercise your NLRA Section Seven Rights. If you have a legal question, you are strongly encouraged to consult with your attorney (as an employer) or contact us should you need a referral to legal counsel. Further, should you request an answer to a question, you agree that any answer to any question does not constitute legal advice, or advice of any nature, but is purely for informational purposes.
Copyright. 1-888-NO-UNION.COM, LLC. 2009. All rights reserved.
