Will the union get me higher wages?
The union can make all kinds of promises. The fact is, your wages and benefits would be subject to negotiation with a union. They could go up; they could go down; they could stay the same as a result of good faith bargaining. In any event, SIA believes our current wage scale is competitive, and compares favorably with other companies, both union and nonunion.
If the union doesn't get in, will SIA fire the union supporters?
No. SIA respects Associates' rights and opinions, and we would never fire – or take any action against – an Associate based upon how they feel about a union. In addition, under federal and state law, Associates have protection against being fired for their union activities, and it is SIA's policy to follow all federal and state laws to ensure Associate’s rights are protected. This is a typical scare tactic used by unions to try and convince Associates to sign the union authorization card.
Will the union get me better benefits?
Once again, your benefits would be subject to negotiation with a union. Things could get better, stay the same, or they could get worse as a result of good faith bargaining. The fact is, your benefits are now provided by SIA, and we are extremely proud of the benefit package we provide our Associates. We feel confident that we provide one of the best benefit packages of any employer in this area and among the best in the automotive industry despite our modest market position. SIA’s benefits are fair and equitable, and you did not need a union to get them.
If the union gets in, is it true that all Associate complaints and grievances will be taken care of?
Your complaints and grievances are taken care of now. We have an open-door policy, which any Associate can use at any time. If the union gets in, you may lose the ability to directly deal with your Associate Relations Representative, Group Leader or other levels of leadership over your terms and conditions of employment. You may have to go through a third party: the union. Also, union stewards are often in charge of determining what grievances and complaints the union will press on behalf of the Associates. Don't forget, some union stewards have also been known to play favorites.
If we do go on strike, will I lose my wages?
You do not get paid for going on strike. During that time, unless the union provides some strike benefits, you will not receive income. You will not normally get unemployment compensation either. Any strike benefits the union does pay are usually meager, amounting to much less than the wages you now receive from SIA.
What will SIA do for us, if the union doesn’t get in?
Unfortunately, because of the law, the union is free to make all kinds of promises to you; SIA cannot make any promises. This is unfair, but it is SIA’s policy to comply with the law. In compliance with the law, SIA can't make any specific promises of improvements, such saying that we will increase your benefits, if the union doesn’t get in.
Does it cost anything to join the union?
Unions are businesses, so the answer is yes. Typically, dues for union members can range anywhere from two or three hours of your pay a month to amounts much greater than that. In addition, there are initiation fees and special assessments that the union takes from time to time. This is money that you do not currently need to pay out of your wages.
Why does SIA want to keep the union out?
SIA does not feel it is in the best interest of either Associates or SIA to have a union. A third party is unnecessary for us to work with each other and is contrary to our mission to work together as a team.
If there is a strike, will I lose my job?
Under the law, Associates cannot be fired for engaging in a lawful strike. However, if an economic strike occurs, SIA intends to keep operating. If necessary, this could include the hiring of "permanent replacements." If you were permanently replaced in an economic strike, and there was no job available when you wanted to return to work, you would be placed on a preferential reinstatement list and you would be reinstated if and when a position for which you were qualified became available.
Should I vote in an election, if there is one?
Yes. In the unlikely event there is an election, it could be one of the most important events in your life. You, therefore, should vote and ensure you have a stake in your future. Remember, only the votes that are cast count. If only three Associates at SIA vote, and two vote for the union, everybody will be represented by the union. You will then have to live with what the union gets you or does not get you in negotiations.
Can we simply vote the union out, if we are unhappy?
Voting a union out is much easier said than done. Once the union gets into an organization, it is extremely difficult to vote the union out.
Why is SIA so afraid of the union?
SIA is not afraid of the union. SIA is taking a strong stand against the union because we believe a union and the process of collective bargaining would fundamentally change the nature of our relationship with Associates, and could harm those relationships, the working environment, and even our ability to remain competitive.
If there is a strike, can I continue working?
Union members must live by the union's rules and regulations. Many unions fine members if they decide to work during a strike. In addition, pressure likely would be put on Associates to join the strike by both the union and pro-union Associates, which can cause disagreement and conflict within the workforce.
Can I get my signed card back from the union?
You have the right to ask the union to return your card, but unions can also refuse to return the card.
Can I campaign against the union?
The best way to campaign against the union is to not sign an authorization card and, if there is an election, to vote "NO" on election day. You have the right, however, to express your views just as any other Associate that may be expressing their pro-union views. Those rights include the right to try and persuade your fellow Associates to vote "NO." No one can cause you any harm for exercising your rights.
Will SIA be forced to sign a contract if the union gets in?
SIA would bargain in "good faith" as required by the law if the union got in. However, SIA would not have to agree to any contract or contract terms that it considers to be unreasonable. SIA can say "NO" to any union proposal that it feels is not in the best interest of SIA, or that it cannot afford to meet.
What is best for the Associates and SIA?
The best thing for Associates and SIA is to continue working together to make SIA the best workplace for all of us. By working together, without a third party, both Associates and management can continue to ensure SIA is a winning team. By working together, we will all continue to make SIA the premier employer in the Greater Lafayette area.
FAQs
Our Position on Unions
SIA’s Associate concept is based on trust in the individual and recognizes our commitment to ensure a positive working environment. By joining together as a team, we can best accomplish our mutual goals—assuring the success of the Company and providing greater opportunities and job security for Associates and their families. We do not believe that a third party, such as a union, is necessary at SIA.