In recent years, there has been a surge in new union organizing efforts and tactics to unionize and organize employers around the country. From Amazon workers in Jacksonville to Starbucks employees in 280 stores and counting, unions are imploring workers to turn to unions to help address issues like low wages, lack of benefits, and poor working conditions. Unionizing has become more heavily publicized, even romanticized, in the media and many employees have bought in to the movement. However, very few employers are as enthusiastic about unionization as their employees.

Top 6 New Union Organizing Tactics in Florida

1. Social Media Campaigns Promoting Unions 

Social media has become an integral part of our lives, and it is no surprise that unions are using it as a tool to organize workers. Unions are using social media to connect with workers, share information, and mobilize them to take action.

2. Grassroots Campaigns Promoting Unions 

Unions also are using grassroots campaigns to organize workers. This involves reaching out to workers in the community, organizing rallies, and other events to raise awareness about their cause.

3. Targeted Campaigns by Company & Industry 

Unions are targeting specific companies and industries where they believe they can have the most impact. They also are targeting workers who are most likely to be receptive to their message.

4. Digitally Organizing Unions 

One of the key new techniques being employed by unions is the use of digital organizing. With the rise of social media, unions are able to connect with workers in new and innovative ways. For example, the Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union (“RWDSU”) used social media to spread awareness about the unionization drive at an Amazon warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama, which garnered national attention. This kind of digital organizing also has been used to great effect in Florida, with unions like the Service Employees International Union (“SEIU”) and the Farmworker Association of Florida (“FWAF”) using social media and online campaigns to connect with workers and build support for unionization. 

5. Union Alliances with Community Organizations 

Another tactic that has been used successfully in Florida is strategic partnerships between unions and community organizations. For example, the SEIU and FWAF have formed partnerships with other labor unions, faith groups, and community organizations to build support for unionization among farmworkers. This kind of coalition-building also has been effective in other sectors, such as healthcare and education, where unions have partnered with community groups to push for better working conditions and higher wages.

6. Internal Worker Committees

Another contemporary technique being used to great effect is the creation of worker committees to build support for unionization. These committees are typically made up of workers who are already supportive of unionization and who work to convince their colleagues to join the union. In some cases, these committees have been successful in organizing workplaces without the need for a formal union election. 

Employers in Florida should have a union avoidance plan as they can take several legal steps to prevent their employees from turning to unions. Please see below and contact one of our labor relations attorneys to learn more.  

What Can a Florida Employer Legally do to Prevent Unionization? 

1. Address the Concerns of Your Employees Who Want to Unionize

If your employees are considering unionization, it is likely because they have concerns about their wages, benefits, or working conditions. Employers should create a vehicle through which employees can raise concerns and then take steps to address these concerns and improve the overall work environment. If you don’t address employee concerns, someone else will.

2. Maintain a Positive Work Environment to Avoid Unionization 

Employers should foster a positive work environment where employees feel valued, respected, and engaged. This can help prevent employees from seeking union representation. Employee engagement is not guaranteed.

3. Keep Employees Informed to Prevent Unionization

Employers should keep their employees informed about their rights and benefits. This can help prevent employees from being misled by union organizers.

4. Be Proactive with your Union Avoidance Plan

Employers should be proactive in addressing any issues that arise in the workplace. This can help prevent issues from escalating and becoming the basis for union organizing efforts. 

Partner with a Labor Law Firm to Minimize the Risk of Unionization

Put simply, the new union organizing tactics and techniques in Florida – coupled with increased favorable media coverage of union organizing efforts across the country – are making it more attractive for workers to seek union representation. Employers can take steps to prevent their employees from seeking union representation by addressing their concerns, maintaining a positive work environment, keeping employees informed, and being proactive in addressing workplace issues.

Employers should take steps now – not in the face of an impending union organizing campaign – to conduct a union vulnerability assessment and identify areas where they may be weak in people treatment practices and processes. Many employers bring in their labor relations attorney to conduct such assessments and make confidential recommendations on improvements that can be made quickly and cost-effectively.

Download our Union Avoidance Tactics Infographic for Employers

Click here to download an easy-to-follow infographic with this union avoidance information and contact us today!
 

Frequently Asked Questions about Union Avoidance Tactics

What are the top 6 new union organizing tactics being employed in Florida?

The top 6 new union organizing tactics being employed in Florida are social media union campaigns, grassroots campaigns promoting unions, targeted campaigns by company and industry, digitally organizing unions, union alliances with community organizations, and internal worker committees.

What can Florida employers do to prevent unionization?

Florida employers can prevent unionization by addressing the concerns of their employees who want to unionize, maintaining a positive work environment, keeping employees informed, and being proactive with their union avoidance plan. Employers can also partner with a labor law firm to minimize the risk of unionization.

What is the role of social media in union organizing efforts in Florida?

Social media is an integral part of union organizing efforts in Florida. Unions are using social media to connect with workers, share information, and mobilize them to take action. Social media has also been used to spread awareness about unionization drives, such as the one at an Amazon warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama.

What is a worker committee, and how is it being used in union organizing efforts in Florida?

A worker committee is a group of workers who are already supportive of unionization and work to convince their colleagues to join the union. Worker committees have been used to build support for unionization in Florida, and in some cases, they have been successful in organizing workplaces without the need for a formal union election.

How can employers in Florida prevent their employees from being misled by union organizers?

Employers in Florida can prevent their employees from being misled by union organizers by keeping their employees informed about their rights and benefits. Employers should also address their employees' concerns and take steps to improve the overall work environment, which can help prevent employees from seeking union representation.