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Employer
Dirty Tricks
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Union
Predicts Company Tricks!
 In election after
election, the union has seen companies use the same old tricks to try
and fool their employees about the Teamsters Union. The managers and
supervisors at your company will
likely use these tricks again.
You must
be prepared for these tricks if you want to win your right to be
represented by the Teamsters.
If not, you and your co-workers will be fooled by the lies and
promises of the company.
If you
want to be represented by the Teamsters, scroll down and read the rest of this page and discuss
these tricks with your co-workers. If you are currently being
organized, keep score of the company's scare tactics.
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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.
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Trick
#1: Plant Closing
Supervisors and
company officials will tell you that your plant 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
Teamsters.
Truth:
It is illegal for the
company to close, or even threaten to close, the plant because the
Teamsters are voted in. Plants close down for economic reasons-and the vast
majority of those plants are non-union. If your company is really in
bad financial shape, let them prove it by opening their books.
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Trick #2:
Strike Talk
 Your supervisor or
other company officials 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 will lose your job forever. They will ask you how your
family will survive if you are forced out on strike.
Truth:
When the company
threatens that there will necessarily be a strike, its breaking the
law. The union doesn't force
you on strike. A strike is a decision
voted on by you and your co-workers. If a majority of you doesn't want
a strike there won't be one. Approximately ninety-nine percent of all
Teamsters contracts are settled without strikes.
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Trick
#3: Dues Blues
The
company will tell you that the union just want your money. They may
lie about the amount of dues you will pay as a member of the
Teamsters.
Truth:
The improvements
in pay, benefits, and fair treatment you win through the union are far
greater than the cost of dues. Any organization that works for you is
worth paying for. Remember: you don't pay dues until you win a
contract!
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Trick
#4: 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 it on the union.
Truth:
Teamsters exist
to solve problems peacefully. With Teamsters, workers and management
sit down as equals and discuss problems that come up. This does not
create violence but avoids it.
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Trick
#5: Union Bosses
The
company will tell you that the union will take your dues money to pay
the high salaries of union bosses. They say that you will never
benefit from any of this money.
Truth:
All union
expenses, including salaries of Union officers are approved by the
membership and all Union money is spent solely for the members
benefit. Your dues can only be increased if the members vote to
increase dues. It is the Union members who decide how Union money is
spent.
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Trick
#6: No Contract
 The company will tell you that they won't ever sign a contract even if
you vote for Teamsters. 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."
Truth:
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 it's employees satisfied and keep the work flowing.
After you present your employer with reasonable contract proposals, a
settlement usually occurs.
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Trick
#7: Bargaining From Scratch.
Although
it is illegal, the company will say you'll be bargaining from scratch.
The company will tell you that when you negotiate a contract, you'll
lose the wages and benefits you already have.
Truth:
It is illegal for
the company to threaten to reduce benefits if the union is voted in.
When you negotiate a first contract, you start with the pay and
benefits you have now and negotiate changes. You'll decide what to ask
for in your contract, then vote on it. The strength of your contract
will depend on the strength and participation of you and your
co-workers in your union.
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Trick
#8: A Second Chance
 Your
supervisor or plant manager will come around asking for another chance
to change problems on the job. The company may 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.
Truth:
When workers give
the company a second chance they are always bitterly disappointed. If
the company wins, nothing changes. When this happens, many workers ask
the union for a second chance to vote yes for the union. In most
cases, you have only one chance in your union. Don't be tricked out of
it.
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Trick
#9: Promises
Your
supervisor will suggest to you that you can get a promotion or better
pay if you support the company. The company will give special
treatment and favors if you turn against the union.
Truth:
The special
treatment will end 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.
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Trick
#10: 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. The Vote No
Committee members may be recruited from friends and relatives of
someone in management. Usually they are promised special treatment or
a promotion for their dirty work.
Truth:
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
and create hatred. The company tries to divide us, but the union
brings us together. Don't let it happen to you.
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click here for more information on
your rights to organize
