At times, unfair labor practices can get overlooked quite easily in the workplace. That is why it’s best to always be informed beforehand about what would be a suitable course of action to take in a situation that exposes one to exploitation. First of all, it is essential to keep yourself updated with all the labor laws, so that you are aware of what is considered unfair.
What Is An Unfair Labor Practice?
An unfair labor practice is regarded as anything that violates the labor laws in your specific region. It is usually an action taken by an employer that violates the rules and regulations as stipulated by these labor laws. The laws have been set up in the first place to guarantee the fundamental rights of private and public sector workers. They encourage employees to set up a union if the need arises for collective bargaining against undesirable management practices, which are often left unchecked. Such practices include harassment by your supervisor, making payments that are below minimum wages, taking advantage of workers by making them work overtime, or not ensuring the provision of safe work conditions.
How Does It Protect The Interests Of The Workers?
These laws protect some of the fundamental human rights, such as the condition that an employer cannot discriminate against an employee, whether that is in the form of racism, sexism or harassment. An employer also cannot interfere or threaten an employee’s representation or blackmail them. There are several ways a worker can fight unfair labor practices, and some of these are discussed below.
Make Use Of Resources
From time to time, everyone can get stressed about office workload, but unfair labor practices can create a scenario that makes you feel helpless about your situation. You can make use of various resources to combat unfair labor practices; you can start by checking your company’s employee handbook as they may have a specific way or means for you to file an internal complaint regarding your problem. No matter whether you decide to file a claim or not, you can always talk to a counselor or a lawyer regarding your legal rights.
Always Keep Records On Everything
No matter who it is that is violating the labor laws and engaging in unfair labor practices, they may attack your job performance just to paint you in a bad light when your situation is finally addressed. So always keep records for all your achievements at your workplace, and also for any meetings or complaints you are making regarding your condition. These records can carry great significance when the time comes for the issues you are facing to be resolved.
Report Your Situation
There are several ways you can report an employer, depending on the management structure of your company. You should always report the incident immediately to your union head or human resources, so you don’t feel alone or helpless as they can be in a better position to help you out with the problem you are facing, or make your voice heard regarding your unfair treatment. You can report it in writing or even schedule a meeting to discuss your matter in detail. Always remember to keep records of the complaint or meeting just to be on the safe side where future outcomes are concerned.
Form A Union
Your workplace may employ many workers, and there are essential needs of workers that a company always has to meet to ensure that they are working under proper legal conditions. Hence, forming a union can help not only the employees, but the employer as well by providing an appropriate structure for management and communication to the whole company. You can begin by forming a founding committee that can organize the union, so that it becomes possible to have a proper union election down the road. This can also provide a platform for voiceless employees to be heard.
It is important to note that an employer cannot refuse to sign a contract when an agreement is reached with a union. They also cannot change a policy or procedure without notifying the union. However, just like employers, unions can sometimes be found indulging in unfair labor practices. Keep in mind that as unions represent the majority of the employees, they should always be there to help your voice reach the upper management rather than misusing their power.
Stand Up For Your Rights!
There are certain ways to fight unfair labor practices in the workplace. Keep yourself well informed about all the labor laws, and how you can counter someone who is violating them. Remember to play your part to ensure that everything runs smoothly for each party that has a stake in upholding fairness in the workplace.