Local 181 Members enjoy an array of extras including:

• Health Insurance Benefits
• Death Benefits
• Pension Benefits
• Working Under Terms & Conditions Negotiated in Collective Bargaining Agreements

Benefits provided for Union Members through Union Plus programs include:

• Legal Services Plan
• Mortgage and Real Estate Savings Program
• Union Privilege Credit Card/Secured Credit Card
• Health Savings
• Accident Insurance
• Education Loans
• Union Family Savers

"ALL WORKERS"

SHOULD KNOW THEIR RIGHTS!

You Have The Right To:

• Form or assist others in forming a union.
• Attend a union meeting on your own time.
• Talk to a union organizer.
• Declare yourself a union supporter.
• Join a union of your choosing.

An Employer May Not Legally:

• Fire or discipline an employee/employees for engaging in union activity.
• Threaten to fire or discipline an employee/employees for engaging in union activity.
• Threaten to shut down their business if workers form a union.
• Interfere with or prevent you from soliciting support/members during non-working hours.
• Question you about union matters, union meetings, or union supporters.
• Ask how you or your co-workers intend to vote in an election.
• Ask you whether you belong to a union or have signed up to join a union.
• Transfer or assign you to less desirable work because of your union activity.
• Threaten to terminate your benefits if you unionize.
• Threaten to retaliate against union activity with layoffs or loss of jobs.

WHY JOIN A LABOR UNION LIKE

LOCAL 181?

Better Wages                         Better Retirement

Job Security                           Better Treatment

Safe Working Conditions        A Voice the Boss Will Hear!

Career Advancement               A Right To Vote Your Own Contract

HOW CAN MY WORKPLACE BECOME A UNION WORKPLACE?

The Process:

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) provides a process to allow  your workplace to become a Union Workplace. This process culminates in an election that is legally binding upon your employer. Those eligible to vote in this election are known by the NLRB as Bargaining Unit Employees. They are your co-workers. It is important to know that "Supervisors and Management" are not allowed in the bargaining unit and therefore do not vote!

Below is a brief outline of the NLRB procedure. Click on the link to view the National Labor Relations Act in its entirety.

1.      The most common process used to organize a company comes VIA the NLRB in what is known as a "Representative Election".  However, before the NLRB will schedule an election there must be a suitable showing of interest by your coworkers in forming a union. A minimum of 30% of the effected bargaining unit employees have to show interest in forming a union at your facility. This is most commonly achieved by the signing of Authorization Cards;  "A Cards". By virtue of your signature the "A" Card signifies that you desire for the... International Union Of Operating Engineers Local 181 to represent you for the purpose of collective bargaining...

 

2.      Along with the sufficient "Showing of Interest" an Election Petition must be filed with the NLRB. The NLRB will contact the employer and require them to provide a list of their employees. The NLRB will compare the names on the "A" Cards to the list provided by the employer to determine if there is sufficient interest, 30% or more, to warrant an election.

 

3.      Once it is determined that the bargaining unit is appropriate and that no supervisors or management are included a date is set by the NLRB for the election, usually 5 to 7 weeks out.

 

4.      On the day of the election the NLRB will set up a polling area, usually on the employers property, and supervise the election.  Employees vote by casting a paper ballot which they drop into a ballot box.  At the end of the voting period the polls are closed and the ballots are counted right on the spot. The union must win the majority of the votes to be declared the winner.

The above steps are the basics of the organizing process. However, that does not begin to express the hurdles faced by employees who wish to have union representation. The simple truth is that most companies do not want you to have union representation and will go to great lengths to deny you that right.

Organizing in today's workplace is a very difficult task. However if you believe some of your co-workers share your desire, Local 181 Organizers will assist you in the process. There are two critical issues you and your co-workers must understand from the beginning. (1) It won't be easy. 99 times out of 100 your employer will strongly resist your efforts to unionize. (2) The ultimate success of any organizing drive depends on the commitment demonstrated by you and your co-workers. Companies often hire consultants known as "Union Busters" to run their "Anti-Union" campaign. Their tactics are based on lies, misinformation, deception, intimidation and most of all, fear.

The above is a stark portrayal of the difficulties workers across the nation face when trying to organize. The obstacles that must be overcome are substantial, but it can be done! The question now becomes just how tough and dedicated you and your co-workers can be? Contact one of Local 181's  District Offices via the link listed at the end of this page. We can help you start on the road to a more rewarding work place and a better life for you and your family.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:     How does a union work?

A:     A union is a democratic organization composed of a majority of employees at a facility who have chosen to become organized. The concept of unionization is both simple and proven. Workers who join together have a greater opportunity to enhance their wages, benefits and their working conditions. The root meaning of union is "together" or "unity". In unity llies strength and ability. Strength both in numbers and in common goals will provide positive results! One of the basic reasons to form a union is to utilize the "Collective Bargaining Process". Unity provides the tool, think of it as leverage, to get with the Collective Bargaining Process what you can not get otherwise.

       The primary purpose of a union is to represent workers in their employment, to negotiate a contract that improves wages, benefits, working conditions and to protect workers from unfair treatment. The issues important to you and your co-workers are the issues that will shape and form the collective bargaining agreement. At the close of negotiations the tentative contract is offered to the workers for their approval or rejection. This tentative contract can only take effect if it is ratified by the workers at your facility. Therefore, you and your co-workers determine what happens, NO ONE ELSE!

Q:     Who runs the union?

A:     The union leadership is elected in a strict democratic process. The officers are nominated and elected from among Local 181's own membership. Elections are held for Local 181 officers every three years. The current slate of officers is listed on this web site. Click this link: Elected Officers to go there now.

       It is important to note that as described above, Local 181's officers are members. Every officer has worked under a collective bargaining agreement like every other member. The shoes they put on each morning are those of working people just like you.  Local 181's elected officials were selected to run the day to day business of this union because of their skills, commitment and ability to serve the membership. 

Q:     Do members pay dues?

A:     Of course. Membership in Local 181, like membership in any other organization, comes with the obligation to pay periodic dues. These dues are set by a vote of the membership. The dues help pay for the costs of representing workers interests, collective bargaining and the business administration of the union.

       However, consider that the dues you pay for union representation are substantially more that offset by the gains in wages alone!  According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average difference between union pay VS non-union pay for the same occupation is $154.00 per week or $7,392.00 per year. Even after allowing for the cost of union dues it pays big to be union.

Q:     How often will we be forced to strike?

A:     Your facility will never be forced to strike. Local 181 is a democratic organization and unless a majority of your co-workers vote to strike no one can force anything! Consider the following information:

Fact: Strikes are very uncommon today. Statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor reveal that 98% of all labor agreements are reached without a strike.

Q:     Why do strikes occur?

A:     Strikes usually happen when employers are unwilling to meet realistic    proposals made during contract negotiations. In deciding the question of a strike....

           ...it is always the workers who make that choice!

       Management knows that if they bargain reasonably the chance of a strike is zero. On the other hand management knows that if they do not negotiate fairly and equitability the workers may vote to strike.  This threat is important. Without it there is no true collective bargaining.  Don't forget the information from the U.S. Dept. of Labor that 98% of all labor agreements are reached without a strike.

Q:     Can I be fired for participating in the union campaign?

A:     The law prohibits the employer from discriminating against workers involved in union activity, especially during an organizing campaign. However, the question really becomes"Will my employer  break the law and discipline, even fire me because of my union involvement? If the answer is yes what does that say about your employer?  One of the core elements of Unionization is that of  ..."Mutual Aid Or Protection"...  It is your right to work toward and vote for unionization. Now the question becomes will I allow myself to be intimidated? Only you have that answer. In the case of illegal actions by your employer Local 181 will fight for your rights. Local 181 will, with  your cooperation, file charges against the offending employer with the NLRB without cost to you. Local 181 will use all it's resources, including labor attorneys, to build your case against the offending employer with the goal of restoration of your job including all back wages and benefits. Further we will demand that the company stop their illegal and intimidating acts. If necessary Local 181 will file an injunction against the company that wil bring punitive damages.

Q:     The company says the union can't guarantee us anything?

A:     Local 181 will guarantee that workers who organize have bargaining power! When elected, Local 181 will form a Negotiating Committee.  One or more of your co-workers will be a member this committee and attend every planning & negotiating session that takes place. Local 181 can guarantee that the U.S. Dept. of Labor statistics showing union employees making $154.00 per week or $7,392.00 per year more than their non-union counterpart is proof positive of what unionization and collective bargaining can do for you.

Q:     The boss says we could lose the benefits we now have. Is that true?

A:     The truth is without a legally binding contract the benefits and pay you now receive can be taken away in the blink of an eye. Not only does unionization mean higher wages and benefits; unionization means that for the duration of the contract the company must meet it's obligations which are spelled out in the collective bargaining agreement. Should the company fail in its obligation the contract is legally enforceable.

Q:     The boss says what we gain in one area we will lose in another area. Is that true?

A:     Absolutely not! This is the old "Pie" argument that so many employers like to use. They claim the "Pie" is just so big and if you take a bigger slice in one place, like for higher wages, that makes the slice in another place, like for retirement smaller. Through the collective bargaining process we are able to ..."Make The Pie Bigger". The extra money comes from the companies deep pockets, they definitely don't like it but with collective bargaining the workers................"Pie Gets Bigger"!

Q:     How do we go about getting a union at my workplace?

A:     A good first step is to contact one of Local 181's District Offices listed below for assistance. Tell us the reasons that make you want a union workplace.

       The next step is to talk to trusted co-workers about unionizing. Tell them why you want a union and find out their level of interest in the same.

       The next step is to form an "Organizing Committee". Initially the committees' job will be to attend meetings arranged by Local 181 Organizers. It is the job and purpose of all committee members to educate themselves about unionization at these meetings. Only then can the committee members (A) carry that information to their coworkers and (B) refute false information by management and and company brown nosers.

       Then comes the time to demonstrate the necessary "Showing of Interest". The technical part of this was discussed earlier."A" cards are the most common method of demonstrating support. For reasons too numerous to explain here Local 181 looks to achieve a 70% level of   support before filing for an election. It is critical to understand that our ultimate goal is to be successful, i.e. to win this election. From years of experience Local 181 Organizers know that when 70% of the workers sign A cards, we have the margin of support required to win!

       With the above noted strong showing of majority support Local 181 will file a petition for election with the NLRB. Depending upon several factors the settling of questions about the bargaining unit, etc. generally takes from a couple of days to a couple of weeks. Once those issues are resolved an election date is set, usually 5 to 7 weeks out.

       The time period between the filing of the petition and the election is critical. This is the period in which "anti-union" companies turn up the pressure on their own employees. They will force employees to attend "Anti-Union" meetings geared at confusing and misinforming their own workers.  In these meetings "Anti-Union companies twist and distort union goals and unionization. As noted in an earlier passage the "Anti-Union" campaign put forward by the company will contain an element of truth mixed with lies, misinformation, deception, intimidation and most of all, fear. Local 181 Organizers will not be allowed to attend these meetings. The company knows we can expose their lies and deceptions and they will not allow us that opportunity. It is at this time that your personal knowledge gained during organizing meetings becomes the difference in success in your efforts to unionize.

Q:     What does signing the "A" card do other than get us to an election?

A:     Simply getting to an election is not what your hard work and our hard work is about. Winning the election is what we are about! Therefore, Signing the "A" card is a commitment to Local 181. It means that you support unionization at your work place. It means that you want Local 181 to represent you for the purpose of collective bargaining. It means that you are strong enough and committed enough to resist the lies, misinformation, deception and intimidation your employer will offer. It means that by signing the "A" Card you are going to vote to support the union.

       If you can not make that commitment then...

          "PLEASE DON'T SIGN THE "A" CARD"!

Contact a Local 181 District Office closest to where you live for more information. 

District One (Henderson, KY), District Two (Evansville, IN), District Three (Louisville, KY ), District Four (Lexington, KY ), District Five (Paducah, KY), District Six (Ashland, KY).