Strikes

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At some point, during our campaign to become Unionized, the employer will talk about how voting for the Union equates to going on strike. Why? Because the employer wants to distract us from the real issues of winning better wages, benefits, working conditions and a better future for ourselves and our families.

It’s a phony issue and employers know it but that will not stop them from using it as part of their campaign to scare us.

Here are the facts:
    • Ninety nine percent (99%) of all Teamster Contracts are settled without strikes.

      When working men and women stand organized and united, employers are more likely to come to an agreement without a strike.

    • Last year hundreds of thousands of Union Contracts were negotiated in the United States with very, very few strikes.

      The Media, like the employers, give big headlines to strikes but the truth and reality of the matter is that they very rarely happen.

    • Strikes are used only as a last resort in all contract negotiations.

      There are many ways to persuade and put pressure on employers to make the right decisions without taking strike action. Workers most often achieve very successful results without ever even having to think about striking.

    • Before any strike can occur a majority of the workers must vote to strike.

      If members do not want a strike, there will not be a strike! The membership makes this very important decision, which is only discussed in the rare instances in which the Union and the Company are at an impasse during contract negotiations.

    • Usually, an employer will make every effort to avoid a strike.

      Strikes hurt employers. Most employers do not want to take the risk of a work stoppage because it will disrupt production and may adversely affect future business. Customers may go elsewhere and perhaps never return. Employers need productive and satisfied workers. Employers want to protect their investment, not put it in jeopardy and therefore they will work with the Union to reach a fair and equitable new contract.

In the very rare situation in which Teamsters decide to strike, they are not alone, they receive support from their Joint Council, The International Union and also the assistance and support from other Unions. Because the Teamsters Union is so large and powerful, employers are very reluctant to engage in a Labor Dispute with us.  It makes more sense to reach a fair resolution in order to avoid a Labor Dispute.

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