How to Form a Union

When you and your co-workers come together to form a union, you get the right to negotiate with your employer over wages, benefits and working conditions.

No matter what the industry you are in, or the labor law that covers it, the process for forming a union is similar.

1. Get together with your co-workers who may share a common interest in organizing a union.
2. Talk to a union organizer in order to strategize and to learn the next steps.
3. Talk to your co-workers to build support for the union.
4. Show that support through an election or a card-check once you have a strong majority.

Once your union is official, you'll choose your leaders and negotiate a contract. The process is democratic, and the more inclusive you can be, the stronger your union will be.