Consider The Power Of A Union Or Professional Employee Association
Many actions and conditions at work are unfair – but not illegal. This is generally the case when neither illegal discrimination nor illegal retaliation is at issue and there are no specific legal violations, such as infringing on FMLA or OSHA rights.
What, then, can private sector employees do to obtain fairness, due process and raise wages? The answer is that there is power in UNITY. When employees work together in a formal organization, they can approach management in a protected status pursuant to the National Labor Relations Act and related state statutes.
Unfair And Arbitrary Treatment At Work? Representing And Organizing Unions Since 1975.
We have a reputation for being proactive and tough. Attorney Nola J. Hitchcock Cross has been representing local and national labor unions and professional employee organizations since 1975. She was twice the chairperson of the Labor Law Section of the Wisconsin State Bar Association, a co-chair of the Milwaukee Bar Association Employment Law Committee, and a member of the AFL-CIO Lawyers Coordinating Committee and the National Lawyers Guild Labor Law Committee.
Some of our past and present Union and Professional Employee Association clients include locals of:
- The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers Union, AFL-CIO
- United Electrical Workers Union
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, AFL-CIO
- International Brotherhood of Teamsters
- American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO, including District Council 48 and 24, and locals representing school district and municipal employees, from secretaries and building engineers to social workers, parks and highways employees
- International Association of Painters and Allied Trades, AFL-CIO
- Professional Police Association
- Deputy Sheriffs Association
- Public Health Nurses Union, Staff Nurses Council
- Scientific Employees Association
- Atlas Cold Storage Employees Union
- Staff Union Council
What Is A Union Or Professional Employee Association?
Although management will try to tell you that a Union or Professional Employee Association is an outside “third party” coming in to take your money, the facts are quite different. A Union consists of only the employees at the workplace! Of course, to bolster their power and experience, they may affiliate with larger Union entities.
Sometimes professional employees are put off by the thought of a “Union.” Instead, they form professional employees’ organizations, which, though sounding more professional and white collar, perhaps they enjoy all of the legal protections of blue collar unions, provided they are voted in in the same manner.
How can you form a Professional Employee Association or a Union? The process involves having a small percentage of employees sign cards of interest sufficient to trigger either voluntary recognition or a vote, which will be held by the government agency – the NLRB or a state agency for small employers. Even tiny businesses can unionize.
Understanding Labor Representation
Navigating the complexities of labor law can be challenging. Whether you’re facing a workplace dispute or have questions about your rights as a union member, it’s essential to have knowledgeable advocates on your side. We’re here to provide the guidance and support you need.
With over 40 years of combined experience, our attorneys at Cross Law Firm, S.C., have a deep understanding of labor law and union representation in Wisconsin. We are dedicated to protecting workers’ rights and ensuring fair treatment in the workplace.
Understanding Your Rights
Union representation provides a crucial layer of protection and advocacy for workers. Union representatives act as your voice in the workplace and work to ensure your rights are upheld under the law and the collective bargaining agreement. This includes your right to:
- Attend an investigatory interview with a union official present.
- Challenge disciplinary actions through a grievance process.
- Have your union act as your exclusive representative in collective bargaining.
These rights are fundamental to ensuring fair treatment and due process for all employees.
Benefits Of Union Representation
Union membership offers a wide range of benefits that can significantly improve your working life. Let’s explore some of the key advantages:
Improved Working Conditions
You are entitled to a safe working environment. One rule of your union representative is ensuring you have the appropriate conditions so that you can do your job safely and with equal treatment.
Legal Standards
Federal and state laws mandate minimum standards for workplace safety and health. However, unions play a vital role in going beyond these minimums to negotiate safer and healthier working conditions for their members.
Union Responsibilities in Safety
Your union can:
- Ensure your employer complies with safety regulations.
- Advocate for improved safety protocols and equipment.
- Provide training and resources on workplace safety.
- Represent you in cases of workplace injury or illness.
By actively participating in safety initiatives and advocating for your well-being, unions help create a safer and healthier work environment for everyone.
Enhanced Job Security
One of the most significant benefits of union membership is increased job security. Unions negotiate for just cause provisions in collective bargaining agreements, making it more difficult for employers to terminate employment without a valid reason. This provides a crucial layer of protection against unfair dismissal and helps ensure your job is secure.
Fighting Discrimination and Harassment
Unions are committed to fighting discrimination and harassment in the workplace. They work to ensure that all employees are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of race, gender, religion or other protected characteristics. If you face discrimination or harassment at work, your union representative can help you file a grievance and seek appropriate remedies.
Increased Negotiation Power
Negotiations can be a challenging part of employment. Unions can provide the support employees need to navigate difficult negotiations.
Collective Bargaining
Unions level the playing field between employees and employers through collective bargaining. Your collective bargaining representative negotiates with your employer on your behalf to secure the best possible wages, benefits, and working conditions. This process ensures that your voice is heard and your needs are considered in workplace decisions.
Handling Grievances
Unions provide a formal process for resolving workplace disputes known as the grievance process. If you have a concern or complaint regarding your employment, your union representative can help you file a grievance and advocate for a fair resolution. This process ensures that your concerns are addressed promptly and effectively.
Experience With All Aspects Of Union Formation, Recognition, Governance and Representation
We assist Unions in all aspects of the collective bargaining process. We have negotiated numerous Union contracts and won countless Union grievances, interest arbitration proceedings, prohibited practices and unfair labor practices. We have an active practice before the National Labor Relations Board and the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission.
In addition to assisting Unions in the collective bargaining process, we provide counsel and representation to Unions in matters involving:
- Organizing drives, voluntary recognition, elections, objections, bargaining unit clarification and related litigation
- Union or Professional Organization formation articles and bylaws, and issues of internal governance, union mergers, internal grievances and voting audits for national union intervention issues
- Collective Bargaining negotiations from formulation of proposals to conclusion of the contract
- Grievance filing and processing and grievance arbitration
- Internal Union Governance issues
- Injunctions and temporary restraining orders to preserve the status quo when emergency court intervention is required
- Stewards’ Schools and other educational assistance and materials
- Strike and picket line advice and litigation
We have also been retained by national Unions for internal Union tribunal matters and Union election disputes.
Retainer Representation And Occasional Representation
Many Unions prefer to pay a general monthly retainer to have our firm at-the-ready to assist them at a moment’s notice. Other employee organizations prefer to use our services only for occasional arbitration. Some employee organizations bring us in only to teach a stewards’ school or in an emergency to fight or obtain an injunction. We provide a full array of custom-tailored services to meet the needs of your employee organization.
Cross Law Firm, S.C., Can Provide The Representation You Need
Cross Law Firm, S.C., is experienced in Union organizing drives and the formation of Professional Employee Associations. You need a firm like ours with a long history of Union representation. Call us at 414-616-3229 or contact us online to assist you with organizing drives, for referral to a national Union to assist with organizing, or to represent your employee association or address an employee group interested in forming a Union or employee professional organization.