WHAT WE CAN DO

Employees are becoming increasingly concerned about the unilateral rights of management to change wages, benefits and working conditions. We are realizing that the only way we can have a voice in this ever-changing work environment is by enabling ourselves to participate in Collective Bargaining. Then protecting our wages, benefits, and working conditions with a Contract.

HOW CAN WE ORGANIZE, become part of SPEEA, and get a contract?

The Process:

• SPEEA collects signed petitions
  
  
• SPEEA submits the cards to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)

Employees must express an "interest" in becoming represented by a union. The authorization cards/petitions are not shown to management. They are seen only by the NLRB. By law, at least 30 percent of the employees in the potential bargaining unit must sign cards. SPEEA's goal is to win the election, not simply conduct the election. We would prefer that a majority or even 60% of the potential unit sign cards.

Employers may choose, under the law, to recognize a union without a vote, providing that more than 50% of the employees in the unit sign cards. Boeing has stated publicly that they will not take this option.

• The NLRB defines the bargaining unit.

The bargaining unit members must share a "community of interest." For instance, one of our two Puget Sound units includes engineers, while Techs are in a separate unit. In Wichita, we also have two units. The Board makes its decision based on law, after taking testimony from the union(s) and employer.

• The Board conducts a secret ballot election

The election is conducted by the NLRB. SPEEA needs 50% plus one vote to be recognized as the bargaining agent. Typically, votes are cast at locations in the workplace during working hours. All employees in the bargaining unit are eligible to vote.

If SPEEA is the only union on the ballot, then voters would choose between SPEEA and "no union."

If two unions are on the ballot, then each voter may choose one or the other union, or "no union." If none of those three options receives 50% plus one, then the top two will run off in a second round. For instance if SPEEA receives 45%, "no union" receives 40%, and another union receives 15%, then SPEEA and "no union" will be on the second ballot, even though 60% of the first round voters wanted a union.

• Once certified as bargaining agent, a new contract may be negotiated.

In the case of Puget Sound Facilities engineers, the new unit was "rolled into" the existing Prof unit, where they were immediately covered by the existing contract. More likely, a separate bargaining unit would be created. In any case, employees in the new group could join SPEEA, run for elected positions, and participate in the operation of SPEEA.

How can I help?

One of the first things we will need to do is build an Organizing Committee. Committee members will take part in planning the campaign, and carry out activities like getting authorization cards signed. The committee is a fundamental part of the communication network, bringing information to co-workers, and keeping SPEEA aware of employee issues.

• Become an Organizing Committee member.
• Recruit a committee member/Provide the name and number of somebody that would make a good Organizing Committee member.
• Pass out cards or petitions.
• Wear a SPEEA button, or display SPEEA visibility items.
• Sign a petition or card.