Union Salting is a tactic used by labor unions to organize workers within non-unionized companies. The strategy involves one or more union members seeking employment at a specific target company with the intention of organizing its employees into a union. This method is a direct approach to fostering union support and gaining a foothold in workplaces where unions are not present or have little influence.
Key Concepts
Definition
Union Salting involves union members, known as “salts,” deliberately getting employed by a non-union employer to initiate union organizing efforts internally.
Objectives
- Organize Employees: To gather support for unionization among the existing workforce.
- Raise Awareness: To educate employees about their rights and the benefits of union membership.
- Collective Bargaining: Ultimately aim for the recognition of the union to negotiate better terms and conditions for workers.
Historical Context
Union Salting has its roots in early labor movements, where direct action was often the primary means of improving working conditions. The term “salting” itself derived from the practice of adding salt to increase flavor or value, akin to adding union representatives to enhance organizing efforts.
Applicable Laws and Protections
National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)
Under the NLRA in the United States, union organizing activities, including salting, are protected. Section 7 of the NLRA grants employees the right to form, join, or assist labor organizations and to engage in collective bargaining.
Employer Counteractions
Employers may attempt to counter salting through various means, including:
- Hiring Policies: Implementing policies that make it harder for salts to be hired.
- Dismissals: Although retaliatory dismissal for union activity is illegal, it sometimes occurs, necessitating legal action.
Types of Union Salting Techniques
Overt Salting
Involves union members openly discussing their union affiliations and intentions once they are hired.
Covert Salting
Union members do not disclose their affiliations or intentions but work secretly to organize the workforce.
Examples and Case Studies
One prominent case involved the Communications Workers of America (CWA), who used overt salting to organize workers at a telecommunications company. Union salts were hired as regular employees and began organizing from within, leading to a successful union vote.
Comparisons and Related Terms
Union Busting
Unlike salting, union busting refers to strategies used by employers to prevent union formation and undermine existing unions.
Collective Bargaining
Salting is a step towards achieving collective bargaining, where unions negotiate terms and conditions on behalf of employees.
Strike Action
Once a union is established, a strike may be used as a further tactic to push for better conditions, which differs fundamentally from the organizing phase represented by salting.
FAQs
Is union salting legal?
Can an employer refuse to hire someone they suspect of being a union salt?
What should an employee do if they face retaliation for union activities?
References
- National Labor Relations Act, Section 7.
- Communications Workers of America case studies.
- Labor Union literature on organizing tactics.
Summary
Union Salting remains a significant, legally protected strategy for labor unions aiming to expand their influence and improve worker conditions in non-unionized companies. Through both overt and covert methods, union members work from within to educate employees and foster solidarity, ultimately seeking to achieve collective bargaining rights. While employers may push back, understanding the legal protections and historical context of union salting can better prepare workers and unions for successful organizing efforts.
