Workers Have the Power—Let’s Use It!
Question: My wages suck and my boss treats me like sh*t. I never know how many hours or days I will work. I have no sick days or vacation pay. What can I do?
Answer: Under capitalism workers sell their labor to the boss. The boss then makes a profit from your labor. Unless you organize, the boss will pay you no more than the minimum. They can be racist or sexist and change all your conditions of work any way they want. There are few laws, and those that exist are hard to enforce. You can fight this with a union.
Question: That’s not right! We do all the work. Does it have to be this way?
Answer: No! I won’t say it’s easy, but you have to get together with the other workers at your job, stick together no matter what and make demands on the boss.
Question: Do we have to get a union to do that?
Answer: You can form a group of workers at your job first. You have a right to do that.
Question: Why get a union then?
Answer: It’s better to get a union because you’ll have more support. You will get a written contract that the boss signs and you can enforce it.
Question: I heard this is a “Right to Work” State. How is forming a union legal?
Answer: The bosses did get the politicians they pay off to pass a “right-to-work law.” The law is also called an “at will” law, which means the boss can fire you without reason. The law is wrong, but that law only limits on paper what unions can do. It does not ban unions.
The law in Louisiana says in Section 981: “All persons have and it shall be protected, in the exercise of the right to freely and without fear of penalty or reprisal, to form, join and assist a labor organization…”
Question: I heard a union just takes your money.
Answer: The boss says so you won’t want a union. Workers in unions or worker groups make much more than unorganized workers, plus benefits and more, so of course the boss says that.
Question: Can I get fired?
Answer: It’s illegal, but it happens. However, if you’ve organized the other workers and have solidarity and community support, the business can be pressured to rehire you. It is important to get other unions, other workers, family, and community involved.
Question: Why is this part of the freedom struggle?
Answer: Because organized workers have power. The power to fight for better wages, for a workplace without racism and sexual harassment, for sick pay and health benefits, for a right to fight a grievance against discipline or an unfair boss.
Question: Where can I get help doing this and learn how to get started?
Answer: Get in touch with Workers Voice, and we will help you get started: nolaworkersgroup@gmail.com.