Trying to switch unions, will we lose existing contract?

[blue22]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Michigan

Hi,

I work in public services and we currently have our own union with an expired contract with our city. Most of us want to switch unions, but the current union is trying to scare advocates by telling them we will lose our existing contract with our employer if we switch, i.e. our pay, benefits, vacation, etc. However, the new union (if passed) is saying that's not true, that they adopt the existing contract. Can anyone tell me where to get "proof" of this, or any information on this?

Thank you

[justalayman]

but you do not have an existing contract. You aleady said it is expired. If you are working under anything, it is an extension of the expired contract.

each time a contract is negotiated, you have the possibility that everything can change, even if you are with the same union. Changing unions does allow the company a bit of a chnace to renegotiate more of the contract you have but that does not mean you will lose or keep any part of it.

[blue22]

Hi. I understand its expired, but what we're concerned with is losing what we already have. See what's happening is our existing union is trying to scare members into "not" voting in a new union, saying that we will lose our pay, benefits and vacation time. The new union that we're trying to bring in says this is not true; that everything stays status quo until a new contract is negotiated. Most of the members want to change, but are worried over this. Thanks.

[justalayman]

there are no guarantees. You have no existing contract unless there has been a formal esxtension.

What could happen in either union case;

you could lose everything. absolutely everything. There is nothing binding the company to the old contract for the new union or the old union.

What happens in reality is:

the old contracts wages etc. is continued until a new contract is negotiated. What is in the new contract will most likely be similar to the existing contract but as I have stated, this is not a given as the company is not required to keep anything in the contract regardless which union is negotiating it. You need to ask a very specific questionof the new union reps; what guarantees do we have that we will have the same, if not better contract. They will have to answer; none because that is the truth. anything else is deceptive. Then ask the current union the same question; they, as well, will have to answer none as well. If either answers anything other than "none" (although they will most definately continue with "we will fight on your behalf to reach a better contract...yada, yada...), they are not being truthful and you should really think about whomever told you they could promise you anything.

My personal opinion; quit worrying and go with the union you believe will ultimately be the better option. If you stay with a union that apparently most do not want, you will continue to live with the representation you now have. Apparently not too many are happy with that. If you do stay with the old union, quit bitchin'.