The Heat and Frost Insulators of Local 12 are committed to helping the non-union Insulators achieve the American Dream. Every Tradesman who is applying Insulation should be treated fairly, paid a real living wage and work in an environment where your job becomes a rewarding career not just a daily chore. The Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers are joining together, to seize control of our portion in the construction industry by embracing the policy of organizing the Non Union Worker.
Currently, the majority of the unorganized Insulators are paid slightly more than the minimum wage rate. They work long hours everyday and have little opportunity to receive the education or training necessary to work safely and improve their skills. It becomes virtually impossible for these workers to save for the future or provide for their families when they don’t have any health benefits. Whatever the non union workers issues may be, the way Open Shops treat their workers can be summed up by with one word: Disrespect.
The non union contractor typically builds their wealth off the backs of exploited workers. Non Union Workers are routinely treated merely as commodities. The consequence of this abuse is that many within the construction industry do not respect those who are employed by these contractors and view the workers as being stupid yet they continue to hire them simply because they work cheaply. Like clothing, shoes and cans of soda, these workers are regarded by some as disposable and can be replaced at anytime. Local 12 has a completely different view on this situation. We respect our fellow union brothers, encourage dignity and care for one another.
The non union contractor in our industry will certainly not solve any of these workers problems for them. The non union contractor will also be resistant to change, even though this change will create an industry standard and help stabilize the industry. Sub standard wages and low skills should not be in the plan for New York’s future. The communities and city government would both receive generous tax revenue that benefits our local economy and provide for a better quality of life for their residents if these contractors would abide by the established wage rates.
All non-union Insulators must be aware that becoming organized is not easy, in fact it will be extremely difficult. But when exploited workers join together and remain focused, everyone in the industry will benefit. Local 12 struggled to get recognition in the early part of the twentieth century and we continue to fight hard for fair wages and conditions. Signatory employers to the Collective Bargaining Agreement understand that the most skilled and talented insulators come from Local 12.
The workers do not need the employer, attorneys or the government to tell them when they want to become a Union Worker. The Union begins when they say it does. Local 12 is poised to come together and offer them a way to see the path to a better life.
35 Things your employer cannot do:
1. Attend any union meeting, park across the street from the hall or engage in any undercover activity which would indicate that the employees are being kept under surveillance to determine who is and who is not participating in the union program.
2. Tell employees that the company will fire or punish them if they engage in union activity
3. Lay off, discharge, discipline any employee for union activity.
4. Grant employees wage increases, special concessions or benefits in order to keep the union out.
5. Bar employee-union representatives from soliciting employees’ memberships on or off the company property during non-waking hours.
6. Ask employees about union matters, meetings, etc. (Some employees may, of their own accord, walk up and tell of such matters. It is not an unfair labor practice to listen, but to ask questions to obtain additional information is illegal).
7. Ask employees what they think about the union or a union representative once the employee refuses to discuss it.
8. Ask employees how they intend to vote.
9. Threaten employees with reprisal for participating in union activities. For example, threaten to close the business, curtail operations or reduce employees’ benefits.
10. Promise benefits to employees if they reject the union.
11. Give financial support or other assistance to a union.
12. Announce that the company will not deal with the union.
13. Threaten to close, in fact close, or move plant in order to avoid dealing with a union.
14. Ask employees whether or not they belong to a union, or have signed up for union representation.
15. Ask an employee, during the hiring interview, about his affiliation with a union or how he feels about unions.
16. Make anti-union statements or act in a way that might show preference for a non-union man.
17. Make distinctions between union and non-union employees when signing overtime work or desirable work.
18. Purposely team up non-union men and keep them apart from those supporting the union.
19. Transfer workers on the basis of union affiliations or activities.
20. Choose employees to be laid off in order to weaken the union’s strength or discourage membership in the union.
21. Discriminate against union people when disciplining employees.
22. By nature of work assignments, create conditions intended to get rid of an employee because of his union activity.
23. Fail to grant a scheduled benefit or wage increase because of union activity.
24. Deviate from company policy for the purpose of getting rid of a union supporter.
25. Take action that adversely affects an employee’s job or pay rate because of union activity.
26. Threaten workers or coerce them in an attempt to influence their vote.
27. Threaten a union member through a third party.
28. Promise employees a reward or future benefit if they decide “no union”.
29. Tell employees overtime work (and premium pay) will be discontinued if the plant is unionized.
30. Say unionization will force the company to lay off employees.
31. Say unionization will do away with vacations or other benefits and privileges presently in effect.
32. Promise employees promotions, raises or other benefits if they get out of the union or refrain from joining the union.
33. Start a petition or circular against the union or encourage or take part in its circulation if started by employees.
34. Urge employees to try to induce others to oppose the union or keep out of it.
35. Visit the homes of employees to urge them to reject the union.
Please take a few minutes to fill out the information below. A Local 12 Organizer will contact you. All inquiries are personal and confidential.
