Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

· What is a union?

· What do unions do?

· How do you organize with the UBC?

· If I sign an authorization do I have to vote yes in the election? What if I change my mind?

· How does the union work out problems with management?

· What are shop stewards and business agents?

· What is a “bargaining unit”?

· Who negotiates your contract?

· How long do contracts last?

· What are union dues? What are they used for?

· What’s a “local”?

· So what does the “International” do?

What is a union?

A union is a group of employees who join together within a company to bargain collectively for better wages, stronger benefits and safer working conditions.

What do unions do?

A union’s primary objective is to secure good contracts for its members and to enforce the provisions of that contract. The union also administers some of the contract's important benefits directly. Often these include health plans, pensions and labor/management partnerships and trusts.

How do you organize with the UBC?

Employees who want to join the UBC sign a “union authorization card.” When a majority of employees sign cards, they are forwarded, in most cases, to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The NLRB then schedules and conducts a secret ballot election. In some cases, when a majority of workers sign cards the company will recognize the union.
When the union is certified, the company is required by law to bargain over wages, benefits and working conditions.

If I sign an authorization do I have to vote yes in the election? What if I change my mind?

The UBC is committed to organizing workers that want representation. organizing is not about holding a vote; it is about gaining a voice in the workplace. When the NLRB conducts a union election it's a secret ballot. No one has any right to know how you voted.

How does the union work out problems with management?

Through the grievance procedure. The contract spells out what the grievance procedures are and explains how conflicts are to be resolved.

When management engages in unfair conduct or violates a a provision of the contract there are steps spelled out in the contract to resolve the problem. First, go to your steward to get help. The steward will address the issue. If it can't be resolved by the steward, a business agent from the union approaches the company to talk the issue over. If the problem still cannot be resolved to everyone's satisfaction, the business agent appeals to upper management. If this step fails, both parties bring in a neutral arbitrator to hear evidence and order a final resolution of the problem.

What are shop stewards and business agents?

A shop steward is one of your co-workers, who acts as an agent of the union in the workplace. The business agent appoints stewards. The Steward's job is to make sure your company lives up to your contract. When there is a problem with management and you need union help, your first stop should be a visit with your steward. A business agent is an official of your local union who handles any problems the steward cannot.

What is a “bargaining unit”?

A bargaining unit is made up of all the employees who are eligible to vote for and be in the union.

Who negotiates your contract?

The union and the company each choose their own negotiators. The company's team is usually comprised of lawyers, local management and upper management officials. The union team usually consists of bargaining unit employees and expert union negotiators.

How long do contracts last?

Usually 3 to 5 years.

What are union dues? What are they used for?

Union dues are the money you pay to the union to help pay for support staff, legal costs, negotiation costs, arbitrator's fees, etc.

What’s a “local”?

The UBC has a structure that includes a national body, intermediaries or councils, and local unions. Most day-to-day decisions are made at the council and local union levels. Locals hold regular meetings to discuss measures that will perpetuate our organization and advance our interest individually and collectively.

So what does the “International” do?

The International's responsibilities include; lobbying Congress for laws that benefit workers, sending help to locals that need it and coordinating national organizing efforts. Our International also develops training curriculums used in our apprenticeship and training centers to help members gain the skills needed to stay up-to-date with new technologies and manufacturer and OSHA certifications.