Over the past couple of years, unionization has become increasingly popular across the United States, with an estimated 200,000 employees joining unions in 2022 alone. However, not everyone understands what benefits a union can bring, and wonder if unionization might be appropriate for their workplace. So what are the benefits of unionizing your workplace?
Continue reading “What Are the Benefits of Unionizing Your Workplace?”
The CEO of Starbucks, Howard Schultz, has said that his company would not be able to provide expanded benefits to unionized employees, if they were to increase the benefits for workers in the future. This statement has been described as an “indefensible threat” from Schultz by labor organizers who are working to form unions at Starbucks locations around the country. This comes on the heels of several new Starbucks stores having voted to form unions, with as many as 216 stores now being targeted by labor organizers.
Continue reading “Starbucks CEO Threatens to Withhold Benefits From Unionized Workers”
Business owners, executives, and directors do not like it when workers try to unionize. As a result, they tend to promote a number of myths about labor unions, in order to discourage workers from exercising their legal right to collectively organize. Here are just some of the most common myths people say about labor unions:
If you work for a business where you feel you do not receive sufficient income or benefits for the work you put in, you may be able to benefit from starting a labor union. However, many people are afraid of even trying to start a union and have no idea where to begin. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to begin the process of forming a labor union at your place of employment: Continue reading “How Do You Form a Labor Union?”
Unionization is an often-controversial subject, but also one with substantial practical implications. Many people reflexively oppose unionization precisely because of how politicized it can be, but for people working in certain jobs, a union can provide many potential benefits. Here are just five potential ways you can benefit from forming a labor union at your place of employment: Continue reading “Five Potential Benefits of Forming a Labor Union”
One of the most persistent problems in labor organizing has been determining when, and where, it is acceptable to organize a union. The rules regarding union organizing have fluctuated over the years, becoming more lenient or less lenient for organizers depending on the political climate. Unfortunately, those organizers have been dealt a significant blow by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), in a recent ruling that has prohibited all union organizing during work hours.
Union organizing refers to the practice of workers at a company agreeing to come together to form a labor union. To do this, union organizers must get a majority of the employees at a company to agree to unionize, typically through an election called by the organizers. Typically, organizers will try to speak to employees at work, since that is the easiest place to track them down and talk to them about forming a union. However, employers tend to discourage this sort of activity, and some have brought legal action against employees trying to organize a union during work hours or on their property.
Previously, there had been some wiggle room for organizers wishing to advocate on company property, such as allowing them to organize or petition in public areas like cafeterias or lobbies. However, the recent NLRB decision allows employers to completely ban discussion of unionization during work hours, regardless of where on the property it occurs. Moreover, the decision has reversed precedent that prohibited punishment for merely discussing the prospect of unionizing. As a result, it will become more difficult than ever to organize a union, a fact that employers have cheered but organizers have decried.
If you are looking into unionizing, or you already have a union and are in a dispute with your employer, give the Law Offices of Steven Sack a call. Steven Mitchell Sack, the Employee’s Lawyer, is a New York employment lawyer who has considerable experience in handling the many aspects of labor and employment law. To schedule a consultation with New York City employment lawyer Steven Mitchell Sack, call (917) 371-8000.
A federal district court judge has struck down a rule that was set to become effective on June 1, 2020 that would have outlawed so-called “ambush elections” by labor organizers. The rule, put forward by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), would have imposed significant procedural restrictions on when and how union elections could be called. However, the judge struck down the rule, saying that it was passed without satisfying the “notice and comment” requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act. Continue reading “Federal Judge Strikes Down Rule on Ambush Elections”
With states now beginning to draw down their quarantines, many employers are looking to reopen their businesses, some earlier than their employees feel comfortable with. While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued some guidance on protecting employees from the coronavirus, it has largely been industry specific, particularly focusing on healthcare workers. In response to concerns from its members, the AFL-CIO has filed an emergency action in federal court, demanding OSHA take action to protect workers from coronavirus exposure at work. Continue reading “AFL-CIO Demands OSHA Action on Coronavirus Protections”
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