Things to do if you want to join a union, the simple version:
See if others in your city/state/municipality/whatever are unionized in other workplaces for similar trades. Like, are you a janitor in a town where you know there’s other unionized janitors? GO ASK THEM. They should all be able to point to a union steward or representative who can help you out and/or get you started.
The hard part (that I know about): Start talking to your coworkers about unionizing. Be friendly enough with them that you can do it off the clock, because that shit is risky to talk about at work. Educate them about how it works, and the benefits that can result. Are y’all always working off the clock? Don’t have health care? Shitty scheduling? Dangerous conditions? Harassment? Just want better everything? Unions will give you help with all that.
Be real with them about the material risks… the bosses won’t be happy, you might get fired for bullshit before you have a chance to unionize and be protected by that union, that sort of thing. There’s a reason why unionization has dropped over the past fifty years, and it’s because the bosses have schemed to make it hard for us. They want to keep us divided and powerless.
Be real about where your coworkers are in life. Unionization might sound like yet another responsibility in an endless sea of responsibilities. Tell your coworkers that it’s a way that the burdens of life can be shared and divided amongst us all. Paying one’s union dues is a pain in the ass if you’re really needing that extra $5 per check or whatever, but that $5 should be subscribing you to a world of support and benefits that far outweigh the $5 per check sacrifice. Health care. Benefits. Sick days. Representation if the boss tries to fire you for bullshit. That sort of thing.
“I’m not expecting to be in that job for long, I don’t even care about unionizing!” To which I would say, do it anyway! You never know how long you’ll be stuck in your Not Your Dream Job, and the people who come after you could use the protection. Just because you hate your shit job doesn’t mean you couldn’t help make it better for those who love it, do it well, or will be stuck there for a while.
Anyway, there it is. Sorry it took so long to get back to you @teal-deer and anyone else waiting for an answer. I work from 5 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., and I’m just trying to get back to writing my fanfiction and shit, let alone actual informative posts.
FWIW, I’m in SEIU at work, and am joining IWW soon (next paycheck) so that I can help start organizing the unorganized.
As far as I’ve been able to discern, there’s just this one life guaranteed to us. Those of us who have to blow most of it working to survive… we deserve gold and diamonds and bread and motherfucking roses for what the bosses are asking from us. Get your paper. Get your life.
funeral-biscuit 