Answers to Management's Questions

IUOE Local 564  |  AFL-CIO                                                                  

The Real Answers to

Management's Questions

Management wants you afraid. Here are the facts.

BASF distributed a flyer asking nine questions designed to make you doubt your coworkers and your union. Every question implies the union can't deliver — but honest answers tell a different story. Read the facts below, then decide for yourself. The company can't answer these questions either — but only one side has a legally binding contract to back up its promises.

Question 1

Can the union guarantee a contract will be reached?

The Law
No, but the NLRA requires BASF to bargain in good faith. If they refuse, we file Unfair Labor Practice charges. The vast majority of newly organized units reach a first contract. Can BASF guarantee your wages won't be cut without one?

_____________________________________________________________

Question 2

Will wages stay the same during negotiations?

Your Protection
Once a union is certified, federal law prohibits BASF from unilaterally changing wages or benefits without bargaining. The status quo is legally protected. Without a union, nothing stops them from changing your pay tomorrow.

_____________________________________________________________

Question 3

Could I lose wages or benefits through bargaining?

You Decide
Nothing changes without the union's agreement — and members vote to ratify every contract. You give up nothing without majority approval. In practice, wages almost universally increase in first union contracts.

_____________________________________________________________

Question 4

Will the union guarantee greater job security?

Just Cause
A CBA is a legally enforceable contract. Right now, you're at-will — BASF can fire you for any reason. A union contract requires just cause for discipline and gives you the right to grieve it. That is greater security, by definition.

_____________________________________________________________

Question 5

What if the union calls a strike?

You Vote
Strikes are rare, always a last resort, and always voted on by you. No strike happens without member majority approval. The question is: who controls that decision? You do.

_____________________________________________________________

Question 6

Can I be fined for working during a strike?

Your Rights
Union discipline only applies to dues-paying members. We want solidarity, not division.

_____________________________________________________________

Question 7

Can I be permanently replaced during an economic strike?

True — But Context Matters
It's rarely used due to cost and morale damage; ULP strikers cannot be permanently replaced; and again — you vote on whether to strike. This is a reason to bargain hard, not to go unrepresented.

_____________________________________________________________

Question 8

Can I be fined for not following union rules?

Democratic Governance
Union discipline applies only to dues-paying members and only for conduct covered by the constitution — it cannot be arbitrary. You always retain the right to resign membership. The union is governed democratically by you.

_____________________________________________________________

Question 9

Will I have to pay dues, fees, or assessments?

The Cost of a Contract  : Yes — union dues are 2x your hourly pay rate + 7.25 per month. That is the cost of a legally binding contract, just-cause protection, grievance rights, steward representation, and collective bargaining power. BASF frames dues as a threat. The real question is: what is your job security, your wages, and your dignity at work worth?

► Just cause required before discipline or termination — not the company's mood

► Weingarten rights — representation in any investigative interview that could lead to      discipline

► Grievance and arbitration — a neutral third party decides if the company breaks the contract

► Wage increases negotiated and locked in — not subject to manager discretion

► Seniority rights for overtime, scheduling, promotions, and layoffs

► Unilateral change protection — BASF cannot alter wages or benefits without bargaining

The Question They Won't Ask

Management asks what the union can guarantee you. Fair question. Here's ours:

What does BASF guarantee you without a union? Nothing — in writing. No just cause. No grievance rights. No seniority protection. No wage lock. Nothing enforceable.

At least one side at this table has a contract to back up its promises.

Talk to an organizer. Get the facts.

IUOE Local 564  |  Richwood, Texas  |  Affiliated with the AFL-CIO

For informational purposes

NLRA protected concerted activity