We asked some of the active members of Machinists Union Local 1746 – the hourly workers at Pratt in East Hartford – to write a short message about why they like having a union.  Here are some of their answers:
 

“I like the unity of being in a union.  Like they say, ‘United we stand, divided we fall.’” – Linnea Demanche, Shop Steward

“For me, the union means freedom from harassment, and better wages and benefits.” – Jimmy Hefs, IAM Safety Rep.

“Union workers have better wages and benefits than nonunion workers.  I know that from personal experience.” – Warren Occhialini, Local 1746 Trustee

“To become a union member is to get ahead and get better pay and benefits, and to reach the goal to be a middle class worker with less struggle for you and your family.” – Ralph Duckett

“When you belong, you never stand alone.” – Juan Gelabert, Shop Steward

“Without a union, you stand on your own.  With a union, you’ve got brothers and sisters to stand by you.  You don’t always win your fights, but your chances of winning are a lot better when you stand together.” – Mark Becker, Shop Steward.

“Unionists stick together and support each other through thick and thin, in good times and bad times.  Together we can fight for equality for all.” – Rodney Conologue, IAM Safety Rep.

“With a union, you are a family rather than the boss pitting one employee against another.  Everybody is treated equally.” – Howard Haberern, Shop Steward.

“The union ensures fair working conditions, with better wages and benefits.” – Dana Erickson

“You’re always better off with a union backing you.  I’ve been in a shop without one and if the company doesn’t want to listen to you, you have no recourse.” – Mike Demanche, Shop Steward.

“Try it, you’ll like it!  I know some of you guys in non-union shops, and you really need a union!” – Jose Carranquinha.

“You have a choice in the way you live.  With a union, you open the door to many different ways to help yourself, your co-workers and your community.  For every fight, there is a cost – but the result is choice and freedom.” – Bob Manley, Shop Steward.

“Without a union, it’s you against the company.  What do you suppose your chances are?”               -- Michael Lucht, Shop Steward.

To Future IAM Members: 

We at District Lodge 26 would like to invite you to join us, to make your workplace better.  It's clear -- union-represented workers across the nation enjoy better average wages and benefits, better and safer working conditions, and rights that non-union workers simply do not have.  We believe that all people from all types of work places deserve the right to have union representation on the job.  You have the RIGHT TO A VOICE IN YOUR WORKPLACE. 

We are here to assist and support you in every way we can.  But it is up to YOU and your co-workers to make your organizing campaign successful.  After all, you are the ones who know the issues that have either impaired you in doing your job or have stripped away the dignity and respect that you deserve. 

For more information, please e-mail us at iamdistrict26@snet.net or phone us at 860-828-0359.

Your Legal Rights 

You have the legal right under Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act to join or support a union and to: 

Attend meetings to discuss joining a union. 

Read, distribute, and discuss union literature (as long as you do this in non-work areas during non-work times, such as during breaks or lunch hours.) 

Wear union buttons, T-shirts, stickers, hats, or other items on the job. 

Sign a card asking your employer to recognize and bargain with the union 

Sign petitions or file grievances related to wages, hours, working conditions, and other job issues. 

Ask other employees to support the union, to sign union cards or petitions, or to file grievances. 

Secret Ballot Elections 
To establish a union in a workplace, a majority of employees must express support for the union. In most situations, the employees prove majority support through a secret-ballot election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board. 

"Good Faith" Bargaining 
After the union's election victory is officially certified by the National Labor Relations Board, your
employer is legally required to negotiate in "good faith" with the union on a written contract covering wages, hours, and other working conditions. 

Protection From Employer Action 
Under Section 8 of the National Labor Relations Act, your employer cannot legally punish or discriminate against any worker because of union activity. For example, your employer cannot legally do the following:

• Threaten to or actually fire, lay off, discipline, harass, transfer, or reassign employees because they support the union. 
• Favor employees who don't support the union over those who do in promotions, job assignments, wages, hours, enforcement of rules, or any other working condition. 
• Shut down the work site or take away any benefits or privileges employees already enjoy in order to discourage union activity. 
• Promise employees a pay increase, promotion, benefit, or special favor if they oppose the union. 

Enforcing Your Rights 
Some employers try to prevent the workers from joining a union. The best way to encourage your
employers to recognize your union and negotiate a fair contract is to build a strong organization where you work. 

If your employer violates the law, the union can help you file "unfair labor practice" charges with the National Labor Relations Board. The Labor Board has the power to order an employer to stop interfering with employee rights, to provide back pay, and to reverse any action taken against workers for union activity. 

You can help protect your legal rights by: 

• Keeping written notes of any incidents in which company officials or supervisors threaten, harass, or punish workers because of union activity. 
• Immediately reporting any such incidents to your organizing committee and the union staff. 

Your notes don't have to be worded a certain way, but you should include what was said or done, who was involved, where and when it happened, and the names of any witnesses. 

The National Labor Relations Act Says: 
Section 7: "Employees shall have the right to self-organization, to form, join, or assist labor organizations to bargain collectively through representation of their own choosing, and to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining . . ." 

Section 8 (a): "It shall be an unfair labor practice for an employer. . . to interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees in the exercise of the rights guaranteed in Section 7 . . ."