General Organization Questions & Answers

Here are answers to some common questions about organization representation:

1. What is an organization?

An organization is a group of workers who join together to improve their wages, benefits, and working conditions. They negotiate with employers on behalf of their members, providing a collective voice that strengthens their ability to negotiate with their employer about their concerns. 

2. What is collective bargaining?

Collective bargaining is the process where an organization representing employees and the employer negotiate a legally binding agreement outlining the terms and conditions of employment, such as wages, hours, benefits, and workplace safety. 

3. What are the benefits of organization representation?

   • Improved Wages & Benefits: Organized workers often earn more and have better benefits like health insurance, pensions, and paid time off compared to their non-organized counterparts.

   • Safer Workplaces: Organizations prioritize workplace safety and advocate for better health and safety standards.

   • Job Security: Organization contracts often include provisions that protect employees from unjust discipline or termination, providing a grievance procedure to address workplace issues.

   • Fair Treatment: Organizations ensure fair treatment and protect against discrimination in areas like hiring, firing, and promotions.

   • Work-Life Balance: Organizations can negotiate for more predictable schedules, flexible work arrangements, and paid time off for family and personal needs.

   • Collective Voice: Organizations give employees a unified voice to advocate for their interests and participate in decisions that affect their working lives.

   • Sense of Community: Organization membership fosters camaraderie and solidarity among workers. 

4. What are some potential downsides of union representation?

   • Dues: Organizations typically charge membership dues to cover the costs of representation and activities. GOPO's annual dues are $480 (which is significantly less than organizations at affiliate districts, and has not been raised since the inception of the organization).

   • Union Rules: Organization membership involves adhering to organization rules and decisions, which might limit individual autonomy in certain situations.

   • Strikes: While a last resort, strikes can disrupt work and lead to lost wages for employees.

   • Workplace Tension: Some argue that organization can create an adversarial relationship between management and employees. 

5. Can an employer prevent someone from joining a organization?

   • Employers cannot interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees regarding their organization rights. Actions such as threats, coercive questioning, promising benefits for opposing the organization, or spying on organization activities are illegal. 

6. Does an employee have to join the organization?

   • Employees cannot be required to join an organization or pay dues, though the organization still represents all workers. 

7. What is the role of a site representative?

   • Organization site representatives are worksite leaders who act as a liaison between the organization and management. They may assist with grievances, provide information, organize activities, recruit new members, and serve as the initial point of contact for employee concerns.