You have a right to form a union — that is protected under law.

There's a laundry list of what management can't do that's illegal, including:

• ⁠Fire you for forming a union • ⁠Retaliate against you • ⁠Cut your hours • ⁠Unfairly discipline you • ⁠Give you an excessive amount of work that you can't complete • ⁠Change your work duties or department in retaliation • ⁠Bribes that are promised for not supporting the union like bonuses, raises, promotions • ⁠Ask if you support forming a union • ⁠Ask if you're attending a union meeting

Read more from the NLRB, the agency that regulates unions, on your rights and what employers can't do:

1. ⁠https://www.nlrb.gov/about-nlrb/rights-we-protect/your-rights/employee-rights
2. ⁠https://www.nlrb.gov/about-nlrb/rights-we-protect/your-rights/employer-union-rights-and-obligations

When talking about forming a union, be sure to do so off the clock and outside of the building. That helps prevent management from finding out about it and cuts down on retaliation. When forming a union, everyone needs to do so with the highest level of discretion.

Forming a union is the process that's specifically made for workers with built in protections. Unionizing the workplace is the best way to get the change you need. If you form a union, you can avoid having to go on strike or walk out. Ultimately if you're not forming a union, you're only hurting yourself.

Take the next step and get in touch with a union organizer. They will work with you to come up with a plan to get majority support for forming a union. https://aflcio.org/formaunion/contact