Organize!

Every job done at union wages, with union benefits, helps every worker in our industry!

Organize Your Workplace: Under both federal and state law you have the absolute right to join in the formation of a union where you work. Doing so gives you the opportunity to have a voice in the areas of wages, hours, and working conditions...and this voice is legally protected! In the event you and your co-workers decide to be represented by a union, by law your employer MUST negotiate with the union. DC 35 negotiates labor contracts with hundreds of employers and could do the same for you.

The procedure for obtaining union representation can vary. By contacting DC 35 Organizing Department you can get the information that will help you decide how best to obtain better wages and benefits – and a voice – in your workplace.

Some things to keep in mind:

• Labor laws and government agencies protect you if you choose to either learn more about union representation or begin an effort to get union representation. Your employer may not discriminate against you if you do so.
• Federal and state agencies are available to conduct secret ballot elections to determine whether a union will represent you.
• DC 35 can help you with ensuring that the employer respects your rights.

Before you quit! When you think you’ve had enough and can’t take it anymore...contact DC 35. Union staff people are available to provide advice on how to tame abusive employers. By bringing the union into the picture you can sometimes make a job you really need a lot more tolerable.

Tips for the Trades

The Tax Trap – “The 1099”! If you think you’re getting a good deal on a ‘1099’ think again! Right off the top you pay your withholding tax AND your boss’s share, too.

If you get hurt on the job will he cover you with workers comp, or will he forget your name?

Does he use your status against you in other ways, like paying straight time after 40 hours?

The abuse of the ‘1099’ is bad for you and it is wrecking the industry. Call us to learn more about getting out of the Tax Trap!

Prevailing Wage Cheating – The Stubs are Not Enough! You know you’ve got money coming. Your $15 – $20 per hour is not close to what is posted on the public works job you are on. Be aware that keeping your pay stubs is rarely enough to get back pay. Government agencies are going to need to get beyond “he said/she said”. It is extremely important to keep a log of the hours you work, your pay rate, and where you worked in order to get back pay. Keep a log!

Undocumented Workers Have Rights: DC 35 has spent thousands of hours working with undocumented workers. We believe in amnesty for immigrant workers and we believe in helping you to get decent treatment from your boss. There are government agencies that will help with wages and other issues without hurting you. Contact the DC 35 Organizing Department, available en Espanol or Portuguese, to learn more.

Hurt on the Job and Hung Out to Dry! DC 35 is working to help workers who may have been denied workers compensation benefits because of lack of employer coverage. If your boss didn’t cover you, or if you were a ‘1099’ and believe you are not eligible, contact us to learn more about your rights. Pass the word along to those in need.