The Union Member's Complete Guide: Everything You Want--And Need--To Know about Working Union

by Michael Mauer

Book Overview

An easy-to-read, thorough explanation of what unions are, how they work, and the rights and responsibilities of membership. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0965948617
• ISBN13: 9780965948616
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: Union Communication Services
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 7.6" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

I loved it, very informational

Everything you whant to know about being in a union. Written by the same people as Complete Stewards Guide. Both are very good books and easy to read.

Know if your union is helping you

This book gave me timely advice when I needed it, As a reference guide this book is worth having if your in a union.

Reminded me of some things I've forgotten & even taught me some new stuff!

I've been active in my teacher's union for over 20 years, but even with that background, I found THE UNION MEMBER'S COMPLETE GUIDE by Michael Mauer to be a most worthwhile book to read . . . it reminded me of some things that I had forgotten and even taught me some new stuff as well. Mauer, director of organizing and services for the American Association of University Professors, really knows his stuff . . . you can tell he has an extensive union background from reading virtually any page, and you'll appreciate how he takes almost anything a union member needs to know (e.g., how to file a grievance) and breaks it down into steps to follow that are easily understood. I particularly liked his breakdown on an employee's right to have a union representative, a situation we too often have to deal with at my college . . . as he notes, under "Weingarten rights," an employee has the legal right to have a union representative--but not a lawyer--present during a meeting with management if all of the following conditions are met: 1. The meeting is an investigatory interview. This means that you are expected to answer questions in connection with an inquiry into possible wrongdoing or unacceptable behavior. Weingarten rights do not cover meetings where the communication is one-way; that is, when the purpose is merely to convey information to you or to notify you of a decision already made regarding discipline. 2. Disciplinary action may result from the meeting. The law requires only that disciplinary action--of any severity--is one possible result of the meeting. 3. You "reasonably believe" that disciplinary action may result. If there is a legal dispute over whether your concern about possible disciplinary action is "reasonable," the determination will be made based on all the circumstances surrounding the meeting: Has your supervisor previously raised the possibility of discipline? Have other employees already been disciplined for what you're accused of? Are you already working under the threat of a performance warning letter? 4. You make a request for representation. This is another way Weingarten rights differ from Miranda rights: your employer generally is under no obligation to inform you of your right to be represented. It's up to you to know your rights, and to assert them. The above is so good that I'm going to copy it and share with several of our union officers . . . in fact, there's a lot more that is worth sharing . . . do yourself a favor and get Mauer's book for any prospective or future member who really wants to understand what it means to belong to a union.

A book to use

I purchased this book and gave it to a friend to read who had problems at work with a recent contract in which she and others were neglected in the pay increases. Michael Mauer's book is written in such an easy and practical style that it gave her the confidence to initiate an unfair labor practice with the National Labor Relations Board which was signed by the others in her department. The ULP was denied because it was not filed within the 6 months time frame but my friend is confident that the union will not forget them in the next contract. Kudos to Mr. Mauer for writing such a practical and useful book.

Explaining the Union

Finally, someone has written a book in plain English that explains just exactly what a union is and how a union operates. The Union Member's Complete Guide by Michael Maurer was written for the average American Joe or Josephine to explain the union experience from the point of view of the member or potential member -- in other words, from the bottom-up. This is a guide book that describes the basic elements of the union in concise terms. What is the difference between the union and non-union workplace? What are dues and how are they determined? What are the rights and responsibilities of being a union member? What is a union contract? What is a grievance procedure? Because the union experience is so rarely expressed or defined in this country, there needed to be a book like this that spells it all out. Whether you are already in a union or are thinking of joining one, I heartily recommend this practical guide, complete with glossary, "helpful contacts" and index.Saul SchnidermanPresident, Library of Congress Professional GuildAFSCME 2910