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Fed up?

Want a good union to represent you?

Call us at 1-800-253-2316! Ask for extension 15.

 

Why organize?

Workers in this country organize unions to not only have better wages and benefits, but to also have a voice in their workplace.  Furthermore, workers organize to have a negotiated grievance procedure so as to not work at the whim of management.

The International Union of Operating Engineers represents over 400,000 workers across the United States and Canada.  In Michigan, there are two locals: Local 324 that predominantly represents heavy equipment operators and Local 547. 

Local 547 has over 100 years of experience in organizing, negotiating contracts, and expertly servicing its membership.  Local 547 represents approximately 6,000 workers in the state of Michigan.  As with all unions in this day and age, we are a diverse union.  We do not simply represent stationary engineers; we also represent school bus drivers, EMS technicians, secretaries, steel workers, and maintenance and custodial employees.

 

Q&A about organizing

What is a union contract?

A union contract is a legally binding document that puts into writing various workplace subjects.  For example, union contracts have clauses that address the following issues; wages, health insurance, vacation time, holidays, sick/personal days, overtime, seniority, and contains a grievance procedure.  With every work site being different, it is up to the workers to decide what issues they want addressed in their union contract.

What is the process of organizing?

The process for unionizing an unorganized workplace generally takes from five (5) to ten (10) weeks.  In private sector employment, the National Labor Relations Act protects all employees except supervisors and security guards.  In public sector employment even supervisors have protections under the law. 

 

Federal and State Labor Laws protect the following rights, you have the right to:

1. Self-organization.
2. To form, join, or assist labor organizations.
3. To bargaining collectively through representatives of their own choosing.
4. To act together for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection.
5. To refrain from these activities. 

What are the next steps?

If you and your co-workers are interested in learning more about organizing with the International Union of Operating Engineers, or if you have an organizing lead, you may e-mail us or call the union at (800) 253-2316 to speak with a union representative.