How does one form a union, strike and collectively bargain in a right to work state..

[Help_I_Live_In_Idaho]

And how does the Employee Right to Choice Act play into this? I am the social worker who posted on the private sector and the conditions of our work in rural Idaho?

[nxylas]

1. There's a big disconnect between what the law says and what happens in practice

The law says that it is illegal to interfere with an employee's right to form a union, but we all know that's not how it plays out in real life.

[Help_I_Live_In_Idaho]

3. I have discovered that

Thanks. Maybe some day the law will have meaning to all of us but I doubt it with the power of the buck in control

[Betsy Ross]

2. I would recommend that you contact the AFL-CIO

for assitance. They should be able to provide you with the information you need. You might also check the internet for existing social workers' unions who may have experience to share with you.

The Employee Free Choice Act allows workers to use one of two methods to create a union: First, by a secret ballot; secondly by what has been called a "card check." Under a card check, workers signatures are collected. Card checks allow organizers to contact the workers individually to gain a majority. It is a lie that the act would eliminate democratic, secret voting.

Wishing you the best, in solidarity.

Susan
UAW 1981
National Writers' Union

[Help_I_Live_In_Idaho]

4. ThanK you Susan

:)

[ProgressiveProfessor]

5. Its the same as other places

What you can not compel is union membership. That means workers are free to not join the union and get a free ride. Sort of like having scabs there everyday.

[Omaha Steve]

6. Have any other employees talked about starting a union?

You need 50% plus 1 to start a union of a particular group. That is no guarantee of a first contract. With the EFCA after a set amount of time, the contract goes to a mediator. Yes we need EFCA. And you need a union. AFSCME has many social workers. In Nebraska, State Senator Gwen Howard is a social worker and an AFSCME member. I can put you in touch with AFSCME if you want?

OS

http://www.afscme.org/

[Help_I_Live_In_Idaho]

7. AFSCME Appears to Serve OnlyThe Public Sector in Idaho

Is that the case?

[Omaha Steve]

8. Give me 48 hours

I'm looking into it.

OS

[Omaha Steve]

9. I did but didn't forget about you :-)

The person in AFSCME that handles Idaho is on vacation. I expect an answer in a week or so. I'm sorry for the delay.

[Help_I_Live_In_Idaho]

10. Thank You

:-)

[Help_I_Live_In_Idaho]

11. It would be easy to get 50 % of the Social Workers in the Whole State

Most work for private sector agencies and are paid by the billable hour which means they "work for food" and could do better holding a sign on the roadside.

Sure appreciate the help man