Our SYGMA NorCal

Can SYGMA communicate with us about the Union?

Yes, we can, and we hope you look to us to provide you with all of the facts about what having a union would really be like at our company. You should also know that while the union is allowed to make promises and exaggerate about what would happen if they win, SYGMA cannot - and will not - make promises about what will happen if the union loses. The law prohibits companies from making promises - even though the Union is allowed to promise and even mislead colleagues!

If I signed a union authorization card, does that mean I must vote for the union in the election?

No! Your vote is not controlled by any past promises, pledges, signatures or actions. You are free to vote any way you wish, no matter what someone may tell you. Even if you signed a card, or told someone you would vote for the union, you can still vote NO. The vote is by secret ballot. No one will know how you vote unless you tell them.

If the union is elected, will everyone be forced to join, even if they did not vote for the union?

If the union wins the election, it will be speaking for all colleagues in the bargaining unit as a group, regardless of how an individual colleague voted. During negotiations with a Company, unions usually ask for what's known as a "union security clause" in the contract, which means that all colleagues in the bargaining unit would be required to pay dues and/or fees to the union or risk being terminated from their employment. The truth is that negotiations is a process of "give and take" meaning that if one side gives something to the other, it's not unreasonable to expect something in return, so, if this "union security clause" is something that's really important to LiUNA (and it is), they just may be willing to trade away something that benefits the colleagues, like a wage increase or a benefit they now enjoy so they can get it. Another option they have is to call a strike against the Company, in which case, colleagues would be going on strike for something that only benefits the union.

How does the collective bargaining process work?

If our SYGMA location becomes unionized, our company negotiators would be required to meet with the union and discuss proposals in good faith in an attempt to reach a contract agreement. But the law does not require SYGMA to agree to any union demands that it does not believe are in the best interests of the company or our colleagues. It is important to understand that the law does not set a deadline for reaching a contract and also does not require that a contract ever be reached.

What happens if SYGMA and the union are unable to come to an agreement?

If our negotiators can't come to an agreement with the union, the union can either continue bargaining, give in on its demands, or go out on an economic strike to try to persuade the Company to change its positions. Bargaining for a contract can be a very complicated, lengthy process; immediate changes to the workplace rarely happen.

What is the effect of a strike on jobs?

It is our hope that we would not have a unionized workforce and never face the possibility of a strike. For companies that are involved in an economic strike, the striking colleagues:

• Would not get regular paychecks from the employer for as long as the strike lasts.

• May have to pay for all their insurance premium costs out of pocket (medical, disability, life, etc.).

• Can be permanently replaced in an economic strike.

If the Union is elected, will everyone be forced to join, even if they did not vote for the Union?

If the Union wins the election, it will be speaking for all colleagues in the bargaining unit as a group, regardless of how an individual colleague voted. Unions usually want a "dues check-off" provision in a contract, which means that dues are automatically deducted from members’ paychecks. We think it's fair to ask - If the union so badly wants a check-off clause, what is the union willing to sacrifice of yours in order to get these things? The answer could be everything you now enjoy. Remember, while colleagues may not have to officially join a union in a Right to Work state, if a union is voted in it speaks for everyone, whether they like it or not, and all colleagues would be bound to a contract if a contract is reached.

I've been told by union supporters to keep quiet if I'm opposed to being unionized? I want to stay out of it. Should I?

No. You have the same right to express your opinions as the colleagues who support the union. At SYGMA we always hope our colleagues will speak up and have their voices heard. Even if you are not involved in the organizing activity, you are involved in the outcome. The results will impact you and your work life for a long time. Don't be intimidated. Speak up. We hope all colleagues are respectful of their co-workers' opinions, but it is important that your opinion is known to the extent you to want it to be. Even if it may seem as though you are alone at first, there likely will be others in the group who agree with you.

Is it important that I actually vote even if I don't want the Union?

Yes. Be sure to vote at the election and encourage others to do the same. Remember, the election will be decided by a majority of those who actually vote. That means if out of 100 colleagues only 50 vote and of those, 26 vote for the union, the union comes in and represents all 100 colleagues including those who voted against the union and those who didn’t vote at all. Be careful if someone tells you "just don't vote if you don't want the union." If you do not vote, you are allowing someone else to make this important decision for you. Everyone will be bound by the result, whether they voted or not.

The union seems to have my home address and cell phone number. How did that happen?

Unfortunately, Federal law requires that an employer give the union and National Labor Relations Board a list of the names, emails, cell and home phone numbers and addresses of colleagues eligible to vote in the election. SYGMA has always treated this information as personal and confidential, but we had no choice but to comply with this law.

If a union comes in, will union supporters be given preference in wages and job assignments?

No. Union supporters will not be given favorable treatment over those who vote to keep the union out, and vice versa. If a union is voted in, wages and job assignments will be determined by a negotiated contract, if and when an agreement is reached. Often a union will give a Shop Steward role to its strongest supporters and demand in negotiations special privileges and benefits for the Shop Stewards.

Is it true that the Union can make promises to colleagues during their organizing drive just to get their votes?

Yes. Union organizers can make promises and "guarantees" to colleagues during organizing drives, but they do not have the power to fulfill these promises or guarantees without the consent of the Company during contract negotiations. SYGMA and its supervisors are prohibited by law from making promises and guarantees during union organizing drives, even though the union can. Think of union organizers like political candidates; they make many promises that voters want to hear in order to get elected all the while knowing that they may not be able to fulfill them once elected. If they win the election, they only have won the right to sit at a table and negotiate (ask) for things that they want. Remember, the law says the Company can say no to any demand. Their promises don't automatically become true once the election is over.

Do I have a right to speak out against the union if I do not want it to represent me?

Yes. You have the right to speak out against the Union if you do not want it to represent you. You have a right, today, to speak out against whatever you feel is unjust or will have a negative impact on you or your peers. If you feel that being forced into a union agreement is unjust, you have the right to act now. Just as those supporting unionization have the ability to advocate for it, you have the power to defend your right to continue to represent yourself. You have the same right to express your beliefs as those who support the Union.

Is it easy to get rid of a union once it is voted into a work location?

No. Sometimes union organizers will say "just try us" or imply you can vote the union in on a "trial basis." That’s not accurate. Decertifying a union from a workplace is not easy. It is a lot harder to get rid of a union than it is to vote one in.

Associates would be required to stick with the new union for at least one year, or even as long as 4 years, depending upon whether a union contract is reached and how long the contract is for. A typical 3-year contract freezes colleagues into the Union for at least those 3 years. It is important for colleagues to understand the longevity of a union and its contracts so that they do not vote the Union in on a whim. The union organizer says that the Union exists for the benefit of the colleagues and that it is wrong to oppose the Union. While a union represents colleagues, it is not a charitable or benevolent organization. A union is a business. Union organizers are professional salespeople whose success depends on selling memberships. SYGMA's colleagues are the Union's potential customers. A union's primary income is derived from its members' dues, fees, assessments and fines.