Eden Workers Deserve a Voice

F.A.Q.

Q. What is a union? 

A. A union is workers joining together to have a stronger voice at work. Instead of each employee having to address wages, benefits, workloads, scheduling, workplace policies, and other concerns individually, unionized employees choose representatives and bargain collectively with their employer.

Q. What is the IAM?

A. The IAM is a labor union representing workers in many different industries across the United States and Canada, including healthcare workers. The IAM provides employees with experienced representatives, negotiators, organizers, education, and resources to help workers build a strong union and negotiate with their employer.

Q. Who decides whether Eden employees unionize?

A. Eden Health employees do. Neither Eden management nor the IAM gets to make that decision for you. Employees have the right to decide whether they want union representation. If an NLRB election is held, employees vote by secret ballot, and the outcome is determined by the majority of valid votes cast. Your workplace. Your voice. Your decision.

Q. Can my employer fire me for supporting a union?

A. Federal labor law generally protects covered employees who support, form, or assist a union. An employer may not legally fire, discipline, demote, threaten, or otherwise retaliate against an employee because of protected union activity. Employees still must follow legitimate workplace rules and perform their jobs. Union activity does not protect unrelated misconduct or poor performance. If you believe you are being retaliated against because of protected union activity, contact an IAM organizer.

Q. Does Eden have to know that I contacted the IAM?

A. No. You can contact an IAM organizer privately to ask questions or learn more about organizing. Speaking with an organizer does not mean you have committed to joining a union or publicly supporting the organizing effort. We encourage employees to use their personal phone and personal email when communicating about organizing.

Q. What is an authorization card?

A. An authorization card (A-card) is a document employees sign to indicating that they want the IAM to represent them for purposes of collective bargaining. A-cards can be used to demonstrate employee support for union representation and may be used as evidence of support when seeking an NLRB election or recognition. 

Q. Does signing a card automatically make us union?

A. Not necessarily. Under the NLRB process, if at least 30% of employees in an appropriate bargaining unit demonstrate support, a petition can generally be filed requesting an NLRB election. A union can also become the employees' representative through voluntary recognition when the employer recognizes evidence of majority support. The IAM's goal is to build strong support among employees before moving forward.

Q. How does a union election work?

A. Union representation elections are generally conducted by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Eligible employees vote on whether they want the IAM to represent them for collective bargaining. The election is decided by a majority of the valid votes cast. If the union receives a majority of the votes cast and the results are certified, the IAM becomes the exclusive bargaining representative for employees in the bargaining unit.

Q. Can I talk about the union with coworkers?

A. Employees covered by the National Labor Relations Act generally have the right to discuss unionization and workplace issues with coworkers. Employers may maintain lawful rules concerning working time and work areas, but they generally cannot single out union conversations while allowing comparable non-work conversations. Employees may also have rights to distribute union literature and wear union buttons, stickers, or other insignia, subject to lawful workplace rules and certain special circumstances. Talking with your coworkers is how a union begins.