Forest Products is a mill that has always successfully resisted unionization of its workers by offering better pay and benefits than other employers. Nevertheless, Wilson and several others would like to unionize. The first step they will need to take is to:

The right to organize and be part of a union is for most employees a fundamental labor right that is protected by state and federal "labor" law. The labor law that concerns your situation depends on the type of company or place in which you work (private or public company, small business, local or large corporation, etc.).

In order for the union to ask for the right to make an election, it must demonstrate that a significant number of employees could be interested in organizing. The next step is for union organizers to try to get workers to sign authorization cards. Before being able to request an election, 30% of the eligible employees in the corresponding negotiating unit must sign the aforementioned cards.

Federal and state laws prohibit employers from forcing, prohibiting or otherwise interfering with the collective protected activities of employees. Protected activities could include:

Sign an authorization card that asks your employer to recognize and negotiate with your union

Sign petitions or make complaints about your salary, working conditions and other labor matters

Ask other employees to support the union, sign authorization cards or submit their complaints.