The law provides for workers to self-organize, to form, join, or assist labor organizations; and to bargain collectively as well as to act together for purposes of mutual aid or protection. It is against the law for your employer to interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees in the exercise of the rights guaranteed them under law.

The union contract under which you work addresses matters of employment including:

• Seniority
• Wages
• Grievance handling
• Personal leave

The contract is important because it is a legal agreement between all workers in your bargaining unit and the company, including you. The contract protects workers and without it you can be treated unfairly and arbitrarily disciplined. Under your contract, the company is required to afford you "due process" in resolving problems in the workplace.