In election after election, the union has seen companies use the same old tricks to fool you about unions. In your facility, your managers and supervisors will use these tricks again. You must be prepared for these tricks if you want to win your right to a union. If not, you and your co-workers will be fooled by the lies and promises of the Company.

Other companies have scared workers with these threats and promises before. Only after the union was defeated did workers realize that the threats were hollow and the promises empty. If you want a union, read this handout and discuss it with your co-workers. Keep score, if you like.

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Threat of Closing

Supervisors and company officials will tell you that your company may close because of the union. They will tell you that a union is bad for business - anything to make you fear you'll lose your job if you vote for the union.

The Truth is: It is illegal for the company to close or even threaten to close because the union is voted in. Companies close for economic reasons and the vast majority of those companies are non-union. If your company is really in bad financial shape, let them prove it by opening their books. Some of the most successful companies in the United States, Canada and Europe are union.

Strike Talk

Your supervisor or other company official may tell you that the union will force you out on strike - whether you want to or not. They will tell you that during a strike you can lose your job forever.

The Truth is: When the company threatens that the union will force you out on strike, they are lying. The union cannot force you to strike. A strike is a decision voted on by you and your co-workers. The vote must be passed by a two thirds majority in order to authorize a strike. UFCW will not settle any strike until all employees are put back to work. UFCW will do whatever possible to help workers during a strike.

Ninety-Seven percent (97%) of all UFCW contracts are settled without strikes.

Dues Blues

The company will tell you that the union just wants your money. They may lie about the amount of dues you will pay as a member of UFCW Local 152.

The Truth is: UFCW members decide how to spend dues money. Half of all dues is used locally to make your union strong. The rest goes toward a range of professional services that work for you. Salaries of Union Officers and staff are voted on by the Executive Board which consists of union members.

Violence

The company will try to scare you by saying that the union will bring violence and conflict. Near election time the company may cause problems or conflicts, then blame the union.

The Truth is: UFCW exists to solve problems peacefully. With UFCW, workers and management sit down as equals and discuss problems that may arise. This does not create violence but avoids it.

Union Bosses

The company will tell you that the union will take your dues money and use it to pay high salaries of union bosses. They will say that you will never benefit from any of this money.

The Truth is: UFCW members decide how to spend dues money. Half of all dues is used locally to make your union strong. The rest goes toward a range of professional services that work for you. Salaries of Union Officers and staff are voted on by the Executive Board which consists of union members.

No Contract

The company will tell you that they won't ever sign a contract even if you vote for Local 152. Since it is illegal for the company to say this directly, they may say, "Remember, we don't have to agree to what you want in the contract."

The Truth is: Your company is legally required to negotiate with the union you choose. Nearly every company talks tough before workers organize. But it's in the company's interest to keep its employees satisfied and keep the work flowing. After you present your employer with reasonable contract proposals, a settlement usually occurs.

Bargaining from Scratch

The company will tell you that when you negotiate a contract, you will lose the wages and benefits you already have. Although it is illegal, the company will say you will be bargaining from scratch.

The Truth is: When you negotiate a first contract, you build on the pay and benefits you now have. You will decide what to ask for in your contract, then vote on it. What group of workers would vote to accept a contract that gives them less than they previously had?

A Second Chance

Your supervisor or plant manager will come around for another chance to change problems on the job. The company will tell you that they didn't know you and your co-workers were dissatisfied. Your supervisor will start treating you better and show new concern for your well-being.

The Truth is: When workers give the company another chance they are always bitterly disappointed. If the company wins, nothing changes. By voting no for the union you are telling the company that everything is fine pertaining to wages, benefits and working conditions.

Promises, Promises

Your supervisor will suggest to you that you can get a promotion. (Again, this is not only a trick, it is illegal as well.)

The Truth is: The special treatment will stop on election day. Many workers who are tricked by the company find themselves treated just as poorly as their co-workers after the union loses an election.

Anti-Union Committee

Before the union election, a so-called "Vote NO Committee" will mysteriously appear. The anti-union committee will do the company's dirty work. They may pass out literature filled with the company's lies about the union or they may spread rumors and insult co-workers who support the union. Usually they are promised special treatment or a promotion for their dirty work.

The Truth is: The company knows that if you and your co-workers are united, you can stand up and win your rights. The aim of the "anti-union committee" is to divide people, create hatred and conquer your purpose. The company tries to divide us, but the union brings us together. Don't let it happen to you.

Union Promises

The company will tell you the union will promise you more money and better benefits.

The Truth is: UFCW cannot guarantee how much of a raise you will get in your union contract. What ends up in your union contract is up to you. We can guarantee that you will have a voice pertaining to your wages, benefits and working conditions and that you will not pay any dues until you vote to accept your union contract. We can guarantee that by having a union contract you will receive fair treatment, dignity and respect in the workplace.

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