Company Reaction

The company will call a company wide meeting that's usually mandatory. At this meeting, they will tell you why the IBEW is not the right choice. They will tell you... - not to sign an authorization card - they may have to close the business if you vote for the IBEW - The IBEW only wants your dues money - The IBEW is a third party - They may make promises (wage increases, benefit improvements, etc.) - And claim the IBEW will do the same - They will scare you about going on strike - They will ask for your loyalty These meetings are called captive audience meetings and are on the top of the playlist for Union avoidance. Don't be surprised when they get lawyers involved!

The objective of the captive audience meeting is to divide the employees with misinformation and scare tactics so that the company can maintain complete power over your wages, benefits, and working conditions. Don’t allow the company to determine your future! Stand strong with your fellow workers!

The company will attempt to portray the authorization card as a legal document that makes you a member of the union and requires you to immediately begin paying dues—without the right to vote on a contract.

In order to have a secret-ballot election, the Labor Board requires a “showing of interest” from the employees. The authorization card indicates your desire to be represented by the IBEW and is what is used to prove to the Labor Board that the employees are interested in forming a union for their mutual aid and protection. The company does not want you to sign an authorization card so an election can never be held! Membership dues are not collected until: • The union is granted the legal authority to represent you • A contract is negotiated and voted on by you and your coworkers • An application for IBEW membership is completed

The company will try to portray the union as a third party coming into your workplace to take your money. They may tell you that you will not be able to speak with your supervisors or managers and that you will have no control over what is decided in your workplace.

As a union member: • You may speak to your supervisor at any time • You will select who negotiates your agreement • You will determine who represents your interests • You will finally be treated with the dignity and respect that you deserve in the workplace All with the support of over 800,000 IBEW members.

The company may tell you that the IBEW wants your money. They may lie about the amount of dues you will pay as a member of the IBEW. They may also claim that there are huge initiation fees, fines for not attending union meetings, and assessments that are all reflected in the IBEW Constitution.

You will not begin paying dues until negotiations are finished and you and your coworkers vote by secret ballot to approve the contract that was negotiated. If you are joining an existing local union of the IBEW, they can tell you exactly what your initiation fee and dues will be. ASK OUR ORGNIZERS... No one is fined for not attending union meetings.

Supervisors, managers, and other company officials may tell you that the company will close because of the union. They may even tell you that the union is bad for business and your job is in jeopardy if you vote in favor of the union.

It is illegal for the company to close down or threaten to close down because employees choose to join together for a voice at work. Companies go out of business for a number of reasons, including economic recessions, changes in demand, and poor management. The union wants the company to be profitable and share these gains with the workers. If your company’s financial situation is bad, management should prove it by showing you the financial records.

The company may tell you that it will never sign a contract, even if you choose to be represented by the IBEW. It is illegal for the company to say this to you directly, so instead they may say something like, “Remember, we don’t have to agree to what you want in the contract.”

The law requires that the company negotiate with the union in “good faith.” This means that the company must make an honest effort to reach an agreement. Failure to do so is a violation of the law. The IBEW has trained negotiators that will be there to assist you in reaching an agreement and will even train your bargaining team should you wish them to. Don’t let the company’s loud voice scare you. Its main interest is to keep the job running smoothly, the profits high, and ultimate control of your wages, benefits, and working conditions.