SEIU Local 2000

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Beware of Lies...Know the Truth!

Lie: If you sign a union card, you can lose your job.

Truth: It is illegal to fire or discipline workers for signing a union card. Union support is one of our most basic civil rights and the law protects it.

Lie: The union just wants your money.

Truth: Union dues are never more than 2% per pay period. Dues make it possible to fight for workers rights in bargaining, in court, in the legislature, in our communities and in the streets! As Missouri Nursing Home workers, we do not pay any fines or fees to the union.

Lie: If the union wins, you will lose all the wages and benefits you have now, or management will refuse to negotiate a contract at all.

Truth: When workers bargain, we fight for gains, not losses. When we negotiate a contract, we start with the pay and benefits we have now and build on them. Management is required by law to negotiate a contract.

Lie: The union will make you go on strike.

Truth: A strike happens only if the members vote to strike.

Lie: The union brings violence and conflict.

Truth: What is more violent than when management:

treats workers unfairly and disrespectfully
undervalues our work, and
attacks our right to organize?

Lie: Your supervisor hints that you could get a promotion or better pay if you support the company. There are whispers that those who reject the union will get special treatment and favors.

Truth: The special treatment will end on election day. Many workers who are tricked by the company find themselves treated as poorly as their co-workers after losing an election.

Lie: The union people are outsiders. They are interfering with our family environment. Why do you need a union to speak for you?

Truth: We, the workers, are the union. We take care of each other by standing together for respect, justice and power for working families. Through our union, we fight together to improve our jobs and this improves the care our residents receive.

Lie: Management suddenly cares deeply about you. They ask for a second chance to resolve your issues. They say they just didn't know what concerned you.

Truth: Workers have heard this line before. Some have learned the hard way that it just isn't true. After all, you can't take empty promises to the bank.

Lie: If workers unionize, the nursing home will close.

Truth: It is illegal for a nursing home to close because the workers vote for a union. It is even illegal to threaten to close up. The fact is, unionized homes provide higher quality care.