Who’s Really in Charge?

Union organizers often say, “You are the union.” It sounds empowering, but it’s also one of the most misleading claims they make.

Here’s the reality:

• The moment a union wins an election, it takes over all negotiations of pay, benefits, and working conditions.
• Even before a contract is negotiated, members become subject to the union’s constitution and bylaws.

Think about the word “constitution.” We usually associate it with rights and freedoms. But a union constitution is very different.

• It’s mostly a rulebook full of restrictions, outlining what members must do and the penalties for breaking those rules.
• This includes potential fines, legal action, employment action, and even internal trials.
• And these rules don’t come from your local union—most are  handed down from the International Union, which also limits how your local can operate.

For perspective:

• The U.S. Constitution is just 7 pages long.
• The United Auto Workers’ constitution in 2022 Is 217 pages.

So, What Are You Actually Signing Up For?

Once a union is in place, it’s the International Union that holds the real power, not you.

• They can raise dues and assess extra fees
• They can force you to picket a company you don’t even work for, to show “solidarity.”
• They can even put members and officers on trial for not following the rules

You may be told “you have a voice,” but the union documents say otherwise.

If the union successfully negotiates a contract, you’ll be governed by not one, but three separate sets of rules:

1. The International constitution
2. The Local bylaws, and
3. The union employment contract with the company

And here’s the catch:
You won’t see ta bargained contract until after a union is voted in (if one is reached). That’s why it’s so important to ask for the International constitution and local’s bylaws before you sign an authorization card.  These won’t come easily from the union, because these are not documents they want you to see, until after its too late.