Employer Dirty Tricks

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.