Things to Watch Out For When There's a Union

I'm not anti-labor but I want all of you to be aware of the fact that both employers and employees are capable of committing abuses, and I'm not just talking about ULPs. These are other things you have to be aware of.

Closed-shop Agreement

An agreement that can be put into the main CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) where the employer agrees not to hire anyone unless he's a member of the union that entered into the CBA.

Agency Shop Agreement

Can also be put into the CBA. The employer agrees to check-off (deduct) a reasonable amount from the salaries of non-union workers that equals the dues and fees union members pay to the union if the non-union workers accept the benefits of the CBA.

Discrimination

Failure to treat all persons equally when there is no reasonable distinction between those preferred and those not preferred.

Surface Bargaining

When entering into collective bargaining, both parties go through the motions of bargaining but don't have a legal intent to make an agreement. Basically, it's simulated bargaining.

Shifting Bargaining Positions

The employer repeatedly shifts in attitude and position whenever there's a tentative agreement.

Blue-sky Bargaining

Bargaining where exaggerated or unreasonable proposals are made. Happens very often when the labor union is belongs to an extreme faction.

Boulwarism

Bargaining technique where a proposal is offered on a "take it or leave it" basis.

Featherbedding

The union makes/tries to make the employer pay for services that were not rendered.

Yellow Dog Contract

The employer makes the employees promise not to form or join a union as a condition for employment.

Sweetheart Contract

A CBA whose terms and conditions of employment are below the minimum standards set by law.