Organize

Why Organize?

Organizing your workplace means standing up for better pay, safety, and respect on the job. IBEW Local 97 is here to help you build strength through unity and secure the rights and protections every worker deserves.

Earnings

Union members earn better wages and benefits than non-union workers. On average, union workers’ wages are 27% higher.

Wages Higher with Union Rights

In states with strong unions, average pay is higher compared to "right to work" states where wages are 14% lower.

Better Pensions and Healthcare:

88% of union workers participate in pension plans, compared to 49% of non-union workers.

77% of union workers have guaranteed pensions, versus 17% of non-union workers.

84% of union workers have paid sick leave, compared to 62% of non-union workers.

More Productivity:

Unions help create a stable and productive workforce where workers have a say in improving their jobs.

Your rights to organize

When you and your co-workers decide to organize your union at work, labor law protects your right to do so. Your employer is not allowed to do the following 35 things:

1

Attend any union meeting, park across the street from the hall, or engage in any undercover activity to monitor who is participating in the union program.

2

Tell employees that the company will fire or punish them if they engage in union activity.

3

Lay off, discharge, or discipline any employee for union activity.

4

Grant employees wage increases, special concessions, or benefits to keep the union out.

5

Bar employee-union representatives from soliciting memberships on or off company property during non-working hours.

6

Ask employees about union matters, meetings, etc. (Employees may voluntarily share, but it is illegal for employers to ask questions for additional information).

7

Ask employees what they think about the union or a union representative once the employee refuses to discuss it.

8

Ask employees how they intend to vote.

9

Threaten employees with reprisal for participating in union activities (e.g., threatening to close the business, reduce operations, or cut benefits).

10

Promise benefits to employees if they reject the union.

11

Give financial support or other assistance to a union.

12

Announce that the company will not deal with the union.

13

Threaten to close, actually close, or move the plant to avoid dealing with a union.

14

Ask employees whether they belong to a union or have signed up for union representation.

15

Ask an employee during the hiring process about their union affiliation or opinions on unions.

16

Make anti-union statements or act in a way that shows preference for non-union employees.

17

Make distinctions between union and non-union employees when assigning overtime or desirable work.

18

Purposely team up non-union employees and separate them from union supporters.

19

Transfer workers based on union affiliations or activities.

20

Choose employees for layoffs to weaken the union or discourage membership.

21

Discriminate against union supporters when disciplining employees.

22

Use work assignments to push out an employee because of their union activity.

23

Fail to grant a scheduled benefit or wage increase because of union activity.

24

Deviate from company policy to target a union supporter.

25

Take actions that negatively affect an employee’s job or pay rate due to union activity.

26

Threaten workers or coerce them to influence their vote.

27

Threaten a union member through a third party.

28

Promise employees a reward or future benefit if they decide against the union.

29

Tell employees overtime work (and premium pay) will be discontinued if the plant unionizes.

30

Say unionization will lead to layoffs.

31

Say unionization will eliminate vacations or other benefits currently in place.

32

Promise employees promotions, raises, or other benefits if they leave the union or refrain from joining.

33

Start a petition or circular against the union or encourage its circulation among employees.

34

Urge employees to convince others to oppose the union.

35

Visit employees’ homes to urge them to reject the union.

ready to organize?

If you're interested in organizing your workplace, please fill out the form below. You can also reach out to any of our union halls with any additional questions.

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