MYTH

Signing a card will just give me access to more information or the opportunity for an election.

FACT

When you sign a card, it is legally binding. You are authorizing the union to act as your bargaining representative as to wages, hours, terms and conditions of employment, and submit a petition requesting a vote for union representation. Signing a card also allows the union to obtain your home address and phone number so they can call, email or text you, send you mail, or even show up at your home.

MYTH

If I am in a union and there is a strike, I can still work if I’m needed.

FACT

Unions strongly discourage employees from crossing picket lines during strikes. In fact, a union can legally fine members who return to work during a strike. Striking employees do not get paid by the Company and must continue to pay to maintain benefits. Any “strike pay” from the union is discretionary, only available to dues-paying members, and is a small fraction of your regular earnings.

MYTH

Collective bargaining will guarantee us get better wages, benefits and working conditions.

FACT

The company is required to bargain in “good faith” if a union is elected, but the company is not required to, and will not, agree to terms that are not in its or its customers’ best interests. The National Labor Relations Board has specifically acknowledged that:

“…collective bargaining is potentially hazardous for employees and that as a result of such negotiations employees might possibly wind up with LESS after unionization than before.” Source: Coach and Equipment Sales Corp., 228 NLRB 440 (1977). 

In collective bargaining, employers may agree to give more, but employees may also get the same (minus union dues), or less. In Stockton, Charlotte, East Philadelphia and South Brunswick, the employees received no pay or benefits increases through bargaining. At one location, the unionized drivers did not receive annual wage increases for two years. Employees at unionized companies such as YRC Freight have experienced significant wage and pension cuts.

MYTH

The union says it will get us higher pay.

FACT

The union has no legal power to impose any employment terms. They don’t provide wages and can’t in good faith make promises that you will get a wage increase. In fact, of the four FedEx Freight locations that voted to unionize, none received increases in pay or benefits beyond those given to our non-unionized locations. At one location, the unionized drivers did not receive annual wage increases for two years.

MYTH

If the union wins, I can still negotiate for myself or represent myself if I have a grievance.

FACT

No. By law, the union becomes the exclusive representative for all of the employees in the bargaining unit, including those who did not want it. Therefore, individuals are prevented from attempting to negotiate for themselves if they think they can get a better schedule or pay scale. Employees cannot pursue a grievance or complaint on their own — the union representative has the right to be present even if the employee does not want them there.