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Preserving
Member-Run Unionism
Preventing a
Hostile Takeover
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Raids
and Takeovers
Of Unions Double |
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What devastating attack can divide the membership just at the
point you are starting to prepare for negotiations? An attempted hostile
takeover by another union, otherwise known as a "raid."
Signs
of a Raid
-
An ad appears in a local newspaper from another union
inviting members of your union to a public meeting;
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Unsubstantiated negative rumors about the leadership start
to circulate throughout the workplace;
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Accusations get made towards the leadership at a membership
meeting;
-
Members start talking about another union.
What
Can Happen
If you have an informed, strong, and active membership that
believes the union serves their interests, few people will be attracted to a
raid. The raiding union wont be able to get 30% of the members to sign
authorization cards.
However, in most organizations, there are always a few
disgruntled members, and it may not take much coaxing before they are vocally
supporting the raiding union, whether or not they know very much about them. If
that happens, you could be in for real trouble.
If an election is held and the raiding union wins the election,
your democratic, independent union is now defunct and loses all bargaining
rights. The employer is required to bargain only with the raiding union.
And what happens to the treasury? Expect the raiding union to
try to get it any way they can.
How
Do You
Protect the Union?
Dont wait until its too late. Strong member-run
independent unions can survive raids, but only if they take immediate action. If
you think you may the target of a raid and want more information about
preserving democracy and independence, contact the UE office at (412) 471-8919
(ask for Carol Lambiase or Gene Elk).
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