Steps to Unionize Your Workplace

Forming a union is a protected legal right that can lead to better working conditions and fair treatment. While each workplace is unique, there's a clear path to building union power with your coworkers.

What to know

  • Start by talking privately with trusted coworkers

  • You have legal protections when organizing

  • Building majority support is essential

  • Professional union organizers can help guide you

  • The process typically takes several months

  • Management may resist unionization efforts

Before You Start

Assess Your Workplace

  • Map out different departments and shifts

  • Identify natural leaders among coworkers

  • List main workplace issues to address

  • Consider potential management response

  • Count total eligible employees

Know Your Rights

  • You can discuss unions at work

  • You can share information with coworkers

  • You can sign union cards

  • Management cannot spy on union activities

  • Retaliation is illegal

Phase 1: Building Your Core

Form an Organizing Committee

  • Find committed coworkers

  • Include different departments

  • Represent various shifts

  • Reflect workplace diversity

  • Keep initial meetings private

Contact Union Organizers

  • Research unions in your industry

  • Reach out confidentially

  • Get organizing guidance

  • Learn about legal protections

  • Access organizing resources

Phase 2: Growing Support

Have One-on-One Conversations

  • Listen to your coworkers' concerns

  • Share factual union information

  • Address fears and questions

  • Document key workplace issues

  • Build personal connections

Handle Common Challenges

  • Keep discussions off work time

  • Maintain regular work performance

  • Document any management interference

  • Stay positive and focused

  • Support nervous coworkers

Phase 3: Going Public

Collection Authorization Cards

  • Get cards from your union

  • Explain the process clearly

  • Keep accurate records

  • Aim for 65-70% support

  • Store signed cards securely

Prepare for Management Response

  • Expect anti-union meetings

  • Anticipate common tactics

  • Know your legal rights

  • Stay united as workers

  • Keep morale high

Phase 4: The Election

Filing for Election

  • Submit cards to NLRB

  • Meet legal requirements

  • Prepare necessary paperwork

  • Follow timeline guidelines

  • Maintain momentum

Campaign Period

  • Usually 3-7 weeks

  • Continue one-on-one outreach

  • Hold informational meetings

  • Counter management messages

  • Keep support strong

The Election Process

Voting Day

  • Conducted by NLRB

  • Secret ballot election

  • Everyone eligible can vote

  • Simple majority wins

  • Results usually same day

After the Vote

  • If won: Begin contract negotiations

  • If lost: Analyze and rebuild

  • Maintain solidarity

  • Continue organizing

  • Plan next steps

Common Management Tactics

Be Prepared For

  • Mandatory anti-union meetings

  • One-on-one pressure talks

  • Promises of changes

  • Threats about unions

  • Division among workers

How to Respond

  • Stay focused on issues

  • Maintain unity

  • Know your rights

  • Document everything

  • Keep communication open

Keys to Success

Do:

  • Build strong relationships

  • Stay positive and professional

  • Follow legal guidelines

  • Keep good records

  • Maintain regular work quality

Don't:

  • Rush the process

  • Argue with management

  • Make promises

  • Exclude coworkers

  • Get discouraged

Next Steps

Ready to start?

  1. Talk with trusted coworkers

  2. Contact a union

  3. Map your workplace

  4. Build your committee

  5. Begin quiet outreach

Remember: Organizing works best when workers lead the process and stay united. Take your time to build strong foundations.

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