FAQ

A union is a group of employees who join together within a company to bargain collectively for better wages, stronger benefits and safer working conditions. 

A union’s primary objective is to secure good contracts for its members and to enforce the provisions of that contract. The union also administers some of the contract's important benefits directly. Often these include health plans, pensions and labor/management partnerships and trusts. 

Employees who want to join the Operating Engineers sign a “union authorization card”. When a majority of employees sign cards, they are forwarded, in most cases, to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The NLRB then schedules and conducts a secret ballot election. In some cases, when a majority of workers sign cards the company will recognize the union. When the union is certified, the company is required by law to bargain over wages, benefits and working conditions. 

The Operating Engineers are committed to organizing workers that want our representation. Organizing is not about holding a vote; it is about gaining a voice in the workplace. When the NLRB conducts a union election it's a secret ballot. No one has any right to know how you voted. 

Through the grievance procedure. The contract spells out what the grievance procedures are and explains how conflicts are to be resolved. When management engages in unfair conduct or violates a provision of the contract there are steps spelled out in the contract to resolve the problem. First, talk with your supervisor. When they refuse to do anything about it, go to your shop steward to get help. The steward sits down with you and management and tries to talk about the issue. If it can't be resolved at this meeting, a business agent from the union approaches the company to talk the issue over. If the problem still cannot be resolved to everyone's satisfaction, the business agent appeals to upper management. If this step fails, both parties bring in a neutral arbitrator to hear evidence and order a final resolution of the problem. 

A union is a group of employees who join together within a company to bargain collectively for better wages, stronger benefits and safer working conditions. 

A union’s primary objective is to secure good contracts for its members and to enforce the provisions of that contract. The union also administers some of the contract's important benefits directly. Often these include health plans, pensions and labor/management partnerships and trusts.