[alexander_busek]

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?

Are there any formidable barriers to a couple of guys down at the plant filing the paperwork, thus "immunizing" themselves against attempts to force them to pay dues to some giant, communist-backed trade union that would actually work to their disadvantage?

Regards,

[griswold3]

Good idea!

[Eagle Forgotten]

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.

[super7man]

Yes there is something that prevents it. It is called slashed tires and keyed doors.

[ridesthemiles]

In my younger years, I had to join 5 different unions to have a job.

NEVER AGAIN...

I became self employed in 1980 & I NEVER looked back.