How can I request my company to switch to union?

Question

I work for Ecolab, and the plant I work at is the ONLY Ecolab in North America (so I heard) that isnt union. We get paid crap, and whenever we get a raise, the cost of our insurance goes up.... which pretty much takes away our raise. So without letting my company find out about it, because you know I'll get fired... how can I request to take a vote to have the company move to a Union with out Corporate finding out who requested the vote??? Just to keep me safe. :)

Answer 1

You need to contact the Union that represents other Ecolab plants,and they will be able to legally file the paperwork necessary to have all employees at this plant vote for Union representation. As an employee, you cannot represent the Union or take a vote of your plant. Only the Union can do that. I am wondering why your plant is the only one without Union representation. Only the Union can answer this question. Good luck to you and your fellow employees. If the Union cannot give you acceptable answers, keep at it until you get some reason why your plant is the only one not Union. It is your RIGHT to be represented by a Union, if the majority of workers at your plant vote for Union representation., after the Union files for a vote of all employees at your plant. Seems to me there is some underlying reason that only ONE plant is not Union.

Answer 2

huh? I don't think requesting the company to go Union is the way to handle this...companies don't like unions. Unions like unions. Contact the head of the Union and ask why yours is not unionized. That will make them 1) respond to you, and 2) think about why there isn't a union there and they may come in and help you.

You need to know that unions are getting less popular these days. There must be a reason why your company doesn't have a union...maybe it was rejected by them already.

Sometimes you have to grab the bull by the horns and go where they have what you need. Have you thought about moving and being transferred to one of the areas that does have the union? Would that be easier? Is that feasible?