Navigating Employee Rights: The Union Advantage

Knowing your rights as an employee is crucial in today's ever-evolving workplace landscape.Whether you’ve been at your job for a long time or are just starting, knowing what protections you have can make all the difference in advocating for fair treatment and equitable conditions. 

Delving into the intricacies of employee rights and union protections under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), ensures you're equipped with the knowledge to navigate your workplace confidently.

What are my rights as an Employee?

As an employee, you possess fundamental rights under the NLRA, granting you the power to join forces with your coworkers to address workplace concerns. This is to level the power imbalance in the workplace. According to the NLRA, you have the right to:

• Form, join, or assist a union in negotiating concerning wages and other working conditions.
• Discuss wages and other working conditions with coworkers, unions, government agencies, or the public.
• Take collective action with coworkers to improve wages and working conditions.
  
• Create and circulate a petition to ask for better wages or more hours
• Refuse to work in unsafe work conditions
• Talk to the media about work conditions

All of these actions are protected as concerted activity, making retaliation against these actions illegal.

Understanding union rights

Unions play a pivotal role in safeguarding employee rights and negotiating fair terms of employment. If you're considering unionizing your workplace or joining an existing union, it's essential to understand the process and your rights. Here's what you need to know:

Secret Ballot Elections: If you seek union representation, you can initiate a secret ballot election through the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). This process requires the support of at least 30% of employees in an appropriate unit, demonstrating your collective desire for union representation. "To start the election process, a petition may be filed electronically through the NLRB public website or with the nearest NLRB office." - NLRB Publication

Voluntary Recognition: Alternatively, an employer may voluntarily recognize a union if the union demonstrates majority support through signed authorization cards or other means, bypassing the NLRB election process.

Protecting Employee Rights: The NLRA prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for exercising their rights, including unionizing activities. It is illegal for employers to threaten, coerce, or discriminate against employees engaging in union-related activities.

Knowing your rights

Armed with knowledge about your rights as an employee, it's time to take action. Whether you're confronting wage disparities, addressing workplace discrimination, or advocating for better working conditions, you have the support of the NLRA and the NLRB. Here's how you can make a difference:

Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with your rights under the NLRA and stay informed about workplace laws and regulations.

Speak Up: Don't hesitate to voice your concerns and engage in open discussions with coworkers, unions, or relevant authorities.

Report Violations: If you believe your rights have been violated, file an unfair labor practice charge with the NLRB promptly. You can do this through various channels, including online submissions or contacting your nearest NLRB field office. "If you believe an employer or a union has violated your rights, you should contact the NLRB promptly." - NLRB Publication

Student employees are also not exempt from workplace rights and protections and may also seek assistance from the NLRB if you believe your rights have been violated. 

Empower yourself

In a dynamic and ever-changing workplace environment, knowing your rights as an employee is paramount. By understanding the protections afforded to you under the NLRA and actively engaging in advocacy efforts, you can contribute to fostering a fair, inclusive, and equitable workplace for all. Let's stand together, empower ourselves, and drive positive change in our workplaces.

If you know the law, you will be able to organize more effectively and know mistreatment when you see it.

Want to make a difference at your workplace?

Ready to assert your rights and advocate for better pay at your workplace? Contact the NLRB today to learn more about your rights as an employee and how you can take action to promote workplace equity and fairness. Visit www.nlrb.org or call 1-844-762-NLRB to connect with a representative and get started on your journey towards workplace empowerment.