I’ve been a union organizer since 2021. I was the lead organizer for my union. I’ve confronted bosses, stood up to billionaires, organized strikes, planned workplace actions, faced retaliation, and helped grow class consciousness within the working class. We won union recognition in March 2024, and I was illegally fired in December 2024. The case to get my job back is still ongoing. I have stories, knowledge, strategy, and more, so ask me anything!
What do you recommend someone do to organize in a right-to-work (anti-union) state?
Ah yes, I’m familiar with right to work laws. Fun fact, the opposite term is a “fair share” state.
These laws aren’t what a lot of people think they are, it basically means that non-union workers are allowed to not pay for union representation (contract bargaining, Weingarten, etc). Fair share requires all workers to pay at least dues equivalency fees for this representation.
Things don’t change much tbh, the goal is to get all the workers to join your union anyway. Downplay this aspect, but don’t lie. Often times, people will be convinced by the fact that dues don’t start until your union ratifies your first contract. Mention that dues are tiny, usually only 1.5% of your paycheck. Talk about how the raise will more than offset the cost of dues. If they’re still pressing dues, then talk about how non-union workers have this option.
How would I, as an individual, gather like-minded people into starting a union? Posters and megaphones? Is there a place to go to check for existing unions/groups?
Great question! When you’re just getting started, you want to be discreet. Don’t worry, there will be plenty of time for megaphones, picket lines, flyers, and confrontations. Start with your coworker friends, talk to them and get a feel for how committed they would be to helping you form your union. You are the first member of your organizing committee (oc), and recruiting friends allows you to practice your 1:1 union conversation skills. From there, identify and recruit influential people in your workplace; the people that know everyone, the people that are highly respected, etc. Your goal for the oc should be 10% of the workplace, and ideally over represents minorities (more than half of my oc were lgbt+, including myself).
To find a union for your workplace, think about your industry and then simply add “union” to the search. If you’re in tech, for example, the search “tech union” will give results for IATSE and CWA. Look into the values of the unions, and feel free to reach out. If you don’t like the vibes from any of the unions you find, then you can form an independent union.