You Have the Right to Join a Union!
Your right to support a union, join a union, and be an active union member are protected by law and there are safeguards in place that guarantee that you have the right to do the following:
- Wear union buttons
- Pass out union information
- Talk to other employees about the union
- Show your support for joining a union
Additionally, you are legally protected from an employer that tries to punish you for participating in union activities. For example, your employer cannot legally do any of the following:
- Threaten to or actually fire, lay off, harass, transfer, or reassign employees because they support a union.
- Favor employees who don't support the union over those who do. This means employers cannot promise or provide employees with pay increases, promotions, benefits, or any special treatment if they oppose the union.
- Take away any benefits or privileges that employees already enjoyed in order to discourage union activity.
- Ask employees about their own union membership or activities or those of fellow employees, including meeting attendance, card soliciting or signing, and other forms of Union participation.
Once you have successfully joined the union, these rights remain in place. However, you will also have added protections that will be negotiated under your union contract. If you’re ready to take the next step or have questions about your rights at work, contact us at 516-294-1338 ext. 1400. For more in formation about you rights and protections under the National Labor Relations Act: