Replies

Is there anything to prevent a group of anti-union workers at a given plant from forming their own little "union," and thus arguing that they don't need or want to (also) join the big, corrupt union?

Yes, there is. An important function of a union is to represent the workers in bargaining with the employer. An employer can't be expected to try to reach agreement with multiple unions that might have contradictory demands. Therefore, the process includes a representation election, at which workers will vote on whether they want to unionize. If more than one union seeks to represent them, they'll also vote on which one should get the nod.

The anti-union workers you mention can form their own organization. If the majority of the workers in the bargaining unit choose a different union, however, then the one they chose will be the exclusive bargaining agent. Another organization can hold meetings and issue press releases, but it won't have any power. The union chosen by the majority will be the one that can negotiate with the employer on behalf of all the workers.

The only out is that the result of the first election isn't cast in stone. Down the road, if the workers change their minds, they can vote to decertify their current union, replacing it with a different one or going completely non-union.

The Unions are NOT to be trusted.

I was a grocery checker in Los Angeles in late 60’s.

There was a vote held on whether or not to strike.

MEMBERS HAD TO BE AT A MEETING TO VOTE—EARLY EVENING HOURS.

I DID attend that meeting.

Only about 100 or so in the room.

WE VOTED TO NOT STRIKE.

I went home thinking I would be at my shift the next day.

EARLY AM news: CHECKERS ON STRIKE !!!!!!!

WE NEVER VOTED TO STRIKE

Unions were demanding around 50 cents an hour raise. I think they settled for about 5 cents.

BUT——WE ALL LOST MORE INCOME IN THOSE STRIKE DAYS THAN WE EVER MADE UP-— AND-—

THE UNION BOSSES OUTRIGHT LIED