How to Become a Union Carpentry Shop

In 2010, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 81% of carpenters are not represented by a union. A carpenters shop can become unionized, but will have to go through a specific process before it officially becomes a union shop. 

1. Contact a carpenters union such as the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and express your interest in becoming a union shop. A union representative will supply you with information that you need to make an informed decision. A union rep will also hold an off-site meeting to educate workers on what the union can do for all of the workers in the shop.


2. Begin to collect signatures from those who would like to have a official union election. One-third of the employees will be required to sign the petition before a union can come and hold an election. Understand that it is best not to hand out a petition on the job site. Most businesses frown upon what they see as an intrusion by the union. In fact, history shows that workers have been fired for even bringing the issue up. Keep in mind that the right to unionize is guaranteed by the law.


3. Hold an election to see if there is a desire to begin union negotiations with management. If a simply majority of workers agree to this, then negotiations will begin between the union and management. 


4. Vote on the final contract once the negotiations have been completed. If a simple majority of workers vote in the affirmative, the carpenters shop will now operate under the rules negotiated by the union.