Should I be worried? Is it normal?

[u/jetstrea87]

So our contract is up in December 31st, under our new union administration there is no more contract extensions - either we get a contract or strike. Negotiation started in September however company did not want to meet. Last month we got the supplimental squared away, pending on national agreement. We asked shop steward for update and they do not know either on what is going on national agreement. Next week is end of the year with no contract ratified. Up to date no update on striking, agreement, contract vote, or nothing. Is this normal?

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[u/Lordkjun]

The contract expiration is a pressure point on the employer not the employee. The employer will try to spin it the other way. It's advantageous for the employer if negotiations are settled prior to contact expiration, because once the contract expires it still has to be honored with the exceptions of the no strike no lockout clause (heavily favors unions) and the arbitration process (slightly favors employer... Just don't get fired for cause).

To answer if you should be worried and is it normal... No worries yet. Have you taken a strike authorization vote yet? That predicates a strike. Is your unit ready to strike? They should be if they need to move the table. If they're not, help them get ready. Is poor or ambiguous communication normal? Unfortunately yes. It could be for different reasons. If your union isn't skilled in this area, it's going to be a bumpy road. If they are and your unit isn't ready to strike but the window is closing, it could be strategic. You'll have to talk to your leadership to figure out which one you are.

[u/Bn_scarpia → u/Lordkjun]

This is the way.

It's also not uncommon for negotiations to go until the very last fucking minute like a game of chicken. Sometimes this is intentional, sometimes it's just a symptom of management being disorganized and more evidence that the real value to the company comes from you and your labor.

[u/jetstrea87 → u/Bn_scarpia]

I am riding on that philosophy on the who gives in first. My coworkers tell me that they make cave in on the last minute. I am hoping something gets agreed to continue working as the job market is hard out right now.

[u/Lordkjun → u/jetstrea87]

Don't give in based on expiration date. It literally doesn't mean a fucking thing to you. All the pressure is on management's negotiator to settle prior to expiry, because after that, your shackles are off. The last day before expiration is one of your strongest negotiating days.

[u/jetstrea87 → u/Lordkjun]

Appreciate the info and insight. #unionstrong

[u/Lordkjun → u/jetstrea87]

✊ good luck brother. You're going into the pressure hours. Make sure your unit stays strong. Management is looking for cracks.

[u/jetstrea87 → u/Lordkjun]

Sadly two morons decided to start a petition to remove a shop steward. We told them this is not the time since we are middle of negotiations, nope they continue into pushing for signatures.

[u/Lordkjun → u/jetstrea87]

Yeah that's rough timing.... But,

Does the steward suck? It can be a unifying time to replace if they do.

Is the steward liked? You can use this as a moment to isolate and contain toxic members.

Additionally, the petition is important information for your unit moving forward either way. See who is on it. Talk to the signatories. They have some kind of opinion, and want to be heard. Listen to them. If it's a majority, this is where the strength of your union lies. If it's a minority, this is the discontent you need to deal with.

[u/jetstrea87 → u/Lordkjun]

Steward is a pitbull, a fighter, warrior. People got laid off, called back again. Steward fight to get those ppl sick days back into their account. The signatures were been collected while the local negotiatio s were happening. When I found out, I trier my best to steer ppl to stay off from it.

Since the one that started is a person doesn't like getting told what to do they just rebel. Local rep got the petition, showed it to the steward. The rep decided to keep the steward since they are good in winning grievances and defending.

[u/Lordkjun → u/jetstrea87]

Usually in a democratic shop, the rep (even they like the current steward) shouldn't interfere with the will of the shop. It's on you guys on the shop floor to make sure you have the right steward. You might have to go to bat and help campaign for who you want as your steward. It's on the rep to work with who you elect.

And yeah that blows during CBA negotiations. It shows division and weakness to management.

[u/jetstrea87 → u/Lordkjun]

They just say national is not going good that was a month ago. Now that there is some progress that is it. Normally a month before we would know something on update, what we got, contract agreement.

[u/benspags94]

UPS did the same shit waiting until the last second to negotiate in good faith, and they ended up losing 1 million daily packages because of it. These employers are ridiculous

[u/jetstrea87 → u/benspags94]

Hopefully we do not strike as long as UPS did, idk if union helps out during the strike

[u/Big-Locksmith-8486]

Absolutely you should be concerned. If your shop steward doesn’t know what’s going, then you may need to ask someone more directly.

You also don’t have to strike right away. You can continue under the assumption of a continuation unless the company specifically states otherwise (also depends on if you’re in a right to work state I believe;someone correct me if I’m wrong please), you just obviously don’t get any increased benefits/wages.

Depending on your union, if you have an international organization, you may need to reach out to them to redirect your local into the right direction. Being in union leadership is not easy, mostly voluntary and draining. You attract more flys with honey than vinegar is a saying that goes a long ways when dealing your local.

[u/Alarmed-Stock8458]

Your contract expires in a few days, your local doesn’t keep you informed, your union leadership is in disarray, you could be unemployed (in a bad market with no prospects) but you don’t know. Everyone tells you things are fine. You’re a fool. This is why union membership is unpopular and declining. Take control of your life and destiny.