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Organize Your Workplace

What You Can Win with a Union Contract

A Voice on the Job
Stop leaving decisions about your work life to management alone. A union gives you and your coworkers a legally-recognized voice to negotiate over wages, hours, and working conditions.
Better Pay & Benefits
Union workers in the U.S. earn, on average, 10.9% more than their non-union peers. A binding contract locks in fair wages, affordable healthcare, and a more secure retirement.
A Safer Workplace
A union contract gives you the power to demand and enforce safety standards. Create a workplace where your health and well-being are a priority, not an afterthought.

The Organizing Process in 5 Steps

While every workplace is unique, the path to forming a union generally follows these steps. An organizer will be your guide through all of them.
1
talk to Your Coworkers
The first step is to confidentially talk with a small, trusted group of your coworkers about the issues you all face. Are others feeling the same way? Building solidarity starts here.
2
Connect with a Union Organizer
This is the most critical step. An organizer provides free, confidential guidance based on decades of experience. They will help you create a plan, understand your legal rights, and avoid common mistakes. You should do this before taking broad, public action.
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3
Build Your Organizing Committee
With your organizer's guidance, you'll form a committee of workers that represents the diversity of your workplace. This group will become the internal leaders of the union drive.
4
Sign Union Authorization Cards
You and your coworkers will sign cards. This is a crucial step to show majority support and formally request a union election.
5
Win Your Union!
Once you demonstrate sufficient support, you can demand recognition or file for an election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). After you win, you'll negotiate your first union contract.
contact an organizer today!

Common Questions & Fears

Thinking about organizing can feel overwhelming, but you have more power and protection than you think. Let's address some common concerns head-on and clarify the support you can expect from us.
Your Privacy is Our Priority
No Cost, No Obligation
Your Right to Organize is Protected
You Are Not Alone!

Additional questions? Head over to the Know Your Rights page for more!

Can I be fired for talking about a union?
No. The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) gives you the legal right to form a union. It is illegal for your employer to retaliate against, fire, or discipline you for union activity. An organizer can explain your rights in detail.
What does an organizer actually do?
An organizer is your personal guide, strategist, and resource. They are funded by the labor movement to help workers like you. They don't lead your union for you; they provide the expertise and support for you to lead your own union successfully.
How much does it cost to organize?
$0. All the support, training, materials, and legal guidance you receive during an organizing campaign is provided free of charge by the union and the North Shore AFL-CIO.
What if my employer fights back?
Many employers resist union drives. This is normal, and an organizer will prepare you and your coworkers for it. They've seen the union-busting tactics before and will help you counter them with solidarity and facts.

Ready to Take the First Step?

You've read the overview. You know you're not alone. Every strong union in Cleveland started exactly where you are now—with a handful of workers deciding to have one confidential conversation. Let's talk.
Contact an Organizer Today!

About Unionize CLE

UnionizeCLE.org is Greater Cleveland’s union organizing hub.
We are an initiative of the North Shore AFL-CIO Federation of Labor, helping workers find union jobs or organize at their workplace to win fair pay, safer conditions, and the benefits and protections that come with union membership.

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