Retail store I work at that is a large Midwestern hardware store is garbage in terms of its treatment and relations to workers. I’m not saying I will singlehandedly unionize it, but how can I start spreading the seeds of pro union rhetoric?
I thought about “dropping accidentally” pro union pamphlets and papers around. Maybe talking to more workers in secret and hushed tones about what they think.
Any thoughts or advice?
I think I know which Midwestern hardware store chain you're talking about. Even a hushed whisper about unions not being literally Hitler and John himself will crash his pickup through the front door of the store to come and fire you. They refuse to hire people who formerly were in unions (even many years back), and sometimes will even refuse to hire people who once worked in industries he associates with union involvement, whether or not the individual was unionized. I swear, the dude is the most violently anti-union person on the planet. The only way that agitating isn't going to result in your immediate termination is if all of it is done outside the store and at a second location.
I’m several states away from him. But I was in a union and a steward for a bit in my old job. Obviously that wasn’t brought up when I was hired. There are protections under the NLRA but I would be as secret squirrel about things as possible. I at least want to agitate as much as I can.
I'll be honest with you, it's gonna be the hardest uphill battle you'll ever fight in your life. All management associated with the store, even the most lowly of the low, gets a 60% pay cut if the store unionizes, and they're all well aware of it. They send just about every manager to a week-long union busting class. They have a huge material reason and the knowledge to come down on you as hard as the owner would about that. Keep all of it off the property, don't talk to anyone you think might tattle or even just mention it in passing at work like a blockhead.
If you manage to make any headway, that's badass. Just start working on getting another job in the background, because the odds are extremely high that you'll get termed. Sorry to be a turbo-bummer, but it's broadly considered the most anti-union company in America.
It’s always an uphill battle here unfortunately. The 60% thing blows my mind but I’m not surprised they would resort to those tactics. I don’t expect to get a stew unionized, but if I can at least educate some people and agitate for the working class even a little I will be satisfied.
I wish I had know. How anti union they were before I started, but I was desperate for a job when I moved. I appreciate your concern and honesty comrade.