Posted September 21, 2006

1. Are you feeling any anti-union pressure at work?

We are always feeling pressure at work. Management is campaigning against the Teamsters, saying things like the Teamsters are going broke with pensions. We’re constantly hearing different stories about why not to join a union. They’re trying to come up with all types of tactical moves to encourage workers not to sign up.  

2. Why do you think anti-union sentiment exists?

It exists in large part because of things like the National Master Freight agreement – a model contract for transportation companies – which says that companies will pay $4.85 for every hour toward a pension for up to 240 hours per month. Medical is the same routine - $3.67 per hour. My company doesn’t want to pay that and doesn’t want us to form a union.  

3. How do you and your colleagues respond to this pressure?

We get the word out to people not to believe what they’re saying. We take our colleagues to the Teamsters meetings and compare non-union and union benefits. Our Teamster reps bring out the statistics that help my colleagues realize that being in a union is a good thing. We encourage them to go to the website so they can educate themselves. Education is the first step.  

4. What steps can companies take to help ensure workers’ rights?

At the absolute minimum, I think companies should encourage their employees to read the National Labor Relations Act, which will help people understand their rights at work. It should be crystal clear how far we can go and how far they can go. If people are more educated with their rights, they will be better employees.

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