Ask ReproJobs: Can we unionize after layoffs?
Dear ReproJobs,
Staff were recently laid off at the org I work with and there are essentially even more management / exec staff than "junior" staff. The junior staff who remain are trying to leave the org, myself included. Is there even energy to unionize, how do I inspire those who are left to join me in trying to unionize???
Sincerely,
Exasperated Employee
Dear Exasperated Employee,
This is such a common question that workers are asking themselves in the wake of layoffs and firings. The short answer is yes you and your colleagues should absolutely unionize. All workers deserve a say in their workplace, and given the unexpected waves of our nation’s economic situation, and the funding and legality of our work, workers should have as many protections in place to support them as possible.
Whether you and your colleagues have the energy to organize is a completely valid, but separate question, that you all need to figure out amongst yourselves. Given what’s happening in our movement, you may feel more energy to organize, even as you’re trying to find new jobs.
Going back to the benefits of organizing, we have a few thoughts. If you all stay at the organization, you can organize for better working conditions and pay for the time that you are there. If you all leave in the midst of organizing, the next set of workers can pick up where you left off in organizing. But most importantly, if you file for a union and start bargaining, when the organization potentially lays more workers off in the future, management could negotiate with your union around severance and other layoff payment/benefits. You would have more of a say rather than being at the mercy of whatever the organization offers. You are stronger together.
Additionally, once you have a union, you have the ability to review the organization's financial books and look at what money can be spent to organize for fair wages and benefits. The union will also be able to see if there is financial mismanagement or additional financial issues which could lead to more layoffs, so you can be better prepared. In short, you should absolutely rally your colleagues to file for a union so that you have more of a say at your workplace and can protect your jobs, for however long you have them.
If you'd like to learn more about unionizing, you can find our resources here: reprojobs.org/unions
Love,
ReproJobs