How to Get Started

The process of organizing and forming a Union is not as complicated as you might think, though it does require time, patience and some hard work. Local 2 OPEIU is here to help guide you through each of the following steps with professionals who have helped many workers in the past.

Step 1: Contact Local 2 OPEIU

We recommend the first thing you do is contact Local 2 OPEIU for assistance. We have full-time staff dedicated to assisting you and your co-workers. We can offer advice as how to proceed in a logical direction.

Step 2: Form a core group

A core group, also called an "Organizing Committee," will be the engine behind your effort. Its members should reflect a wide variety of jobs and backgrounds found within your workplace. This team will first learn all the legal do’s and don’ts, then work to educate co-workers.

Step 3: Devise a Strategy

Decide what it is you want and write down your goals. List specific changes you would like to see and build a list of all workers and their contact information. Once you know what it is you want Local 2 OPEIU can help you achieve these goals. The best strategy is one that is clear and concise, one that the company cannot refute, distort or dismiss.

Step 4: Build a Majority

Before your committee attempts to get members to sign on, it’s important to build a clear majority of support by helping co-workers identify with the issues clearly. The goal is to build a majority so that the next step - an election - will run smoothly.

Step 5: Hold an Election

Once enough cards have been signed, they are submitted to state or federal labor boards in order to obtain a "Petition to Hold Elections." Labor Boards typically take a few weeks to approve this process. If the election is successful and your Union is certified, the employer must recognize Local 2 OPEIU.

Step 6: Bargain and sign a Contract

Once the election is won, the employer is legally obligated to bargain "in good faith" with the Local 2 OPEIU. Once this contact is agreed to by both parties and signed it is legally binding. Unlike promises, contracts are enforceable under the law.