company interference

Company Interference

Bob Kravesformer IAM Educator

[email protected]

The Rumor Mill

The bosses will try to “rev up the rumor mill” rather than make incriminating statements directly to employees.

Contact the Union

If the bosses do any of the following, it is a violation of law and you should get in touch with an IAM representative as soon as possible.

• Use work assignments to discriminate against union supporters.

• Say unionization will take away vacations, bonuses, pensions, insurance, profit sharing, or any other benefits and privileges presently enjoyed. This is the “start from zero” threat.

Examples of Employer Violations


Park across the street from a union meeting to see which employees are attending, or engage in any undercover activity that would indicate the employees are being kept under surveillance to determine who are participating in an IAM program.

• Grant employees wage increases or special concessions in order to persuade employees against being represented by the IAM.

• Bar employees from soliciting for the IAM (asking for support and/or membership) during non-working hours.


Tell the workers the employer will fire or punish them if they engage in IAM activity.


• Give financial support or other assistance to employees, regardless of whether or not they are supporting or opposing the IAM.

• Announce that the employer will not negotiate with the IAM.

• Transfer employees based on their IAM affiliation or activity.


Threaten employees with economic reprisal for participating in IAM activities. For example, threaten to curtail operations or reduce employee benefits.


• Make anti-union statements or actions that might show preference for a non-union person.

• Select employees for lay off to discourage support for the IAM.

• Promise employees a reward or a future benefit if they vote “No.”


Promise benefits to employees if they reject the IAM.


• Discipline IAM supporters for a particular action and permit non-union employees to go unpunished for the same action.

• Purposely team up non-union employees and keep them apart from those the employer may think support the IAM.


Make distinctions between union and non-union employees when assigning overtime or desirable work.


• Take actions that adversely affect an employee’s job or any pay rate because of IAM activity.

• Threaten the employees or coerce them in an attempt to influence their vote.

• Discriminate against IAM supporters when disciplining employees.


Engage in arguments to provoke a physical confrontation with an employee about the union.


• Threaten a union member or supporter through a third party.

• Deviate from policy to get rid of an IAM supporter or member.

• Say unionization will cause employees to be laid off or fired.


Tell employees overtime work and premium pay will be discontinued if they choose IAM representation.



• Visit the home of employees to urge them to reject the IAM.

• Ask employees what they think about the IAM or an IAM representative.

• Ask employees how they intend to vote.

This list is not all-inclusive. If you feel the bosses are doing something that just does not seem right to you, get in touch with an IAM representative as soon as possible. Explain the circumstances and be as specific as possible. Keep in mind the who, what, where and when of the situation. The more details you can relate, the better.

What to Do

company interference

Economy & Finance