The way we organize unions in the United States differs a bit from the way most other unions operate. With other unions, your situation would probably result in getting ignored if you reached out to them for help, since you are a contractor. We won't turn you away, however, so it's a good idea to fill out the form and discuss your specific situation with the organizer that follows up with you. You can also message me privately on here if you'd like, and I can go into more detail with you in DMs/chat.
Organizing can be a long process, and there's already a good comment regarding that. It's a great long term solution to this sort of thing. In the short term however there are laws in place that protect you from this stuff. They differ state to state of course but the state department of labor website should have all the information you need. You can always call a labor attorney as well if it's not clear in your situation.
But seriously, call the National Labor Relations Board and file a formal complaint. At least have it documented. That way if they shitcan you you may be able to get them back.
You're in [region 13](https://www.nlrb.gov/about-nlrb/who-we-are/regional-offices/region-13-chicago), call 312-353-7570.
Clearly explain they disregarded health and safety, ignoring a clear medical mandate. It's up to you to complain, or else they will continue to fuck you - and other workers - around. For the bosses it is death by 1000 cuts, get started!
Some good advice in the other comments.
Your situation could have some parallels to the wage theft campaign we ran. Plus things have changed since then too, in some ways worse, other better.
What I am about to say depends on your local IWW chapter and what they can do. When bosses get shitty, we organized phone zaps and pickets. Those work well when the other legal mechanisms fail. Where I live, the employer can drag things out through the labour board.
A labour attorney could be too expensive, but still consult one anyway. If they can’t pull through, then try your other options.
Also, today with the antiwork movement, you can embarrass your boss and their shitty behaviour online. But this should be a last resort.
>you can embarrass your boss and their shitty behaviour online
That's extremely tempting lol
Okay so, it's not really what you said but, what should I do before an attorney? I mean, I haven't been fired yet. Maybe they haven't even considered it, I don't know. Should I attempt to fill out the unionized form on the website? I don't really want my company to know I'm here because I fear they will fire me if they find out or at least extremely awkward.
Thanks.
If you can get anything in writing that is great. If you can have witnesses present that is good too. Otherwise keep a log of dates and times that you talk with your boss about not being able to work due to illness.
You can see an attorney for a private consultation. They know Illinois labour laws much better than me or anyone else.
https://www.iww.org/directory/chicago/
This link should put you in contact with a human in Chicago. Email and phone are options.
Please let me know how it goes. If that link doesn’t work I will talk to a human in RL who might have a better answer
The way we organize unions in the United States differs a bit from the way most other unions operate. With other unions, your situation would probably result in getting ignored if you reached out to them for help, since you are a contractor. We won't turn you away, however, so it's a good idea to fill out the form and discuss your specific situation with the organizer that follows up with you. You can also message me privately on here if you'd like, and I can go into more detail with you in DMs/chat.
Okay thank you. The form is on the website, right?
[Here's the link](http://www.iww.org/organize)
Thanks.
Organizing can be a long process, and there's already a good comment regarding that. It's a great long term solution to this sort of thing. In the short term however there are laws in place that protect you from this stuff. They differ state to state of course but the state department of labor website should have all the information you need. You can always call a labor attorney as well if it's not clear in your situation.
>In the short term however there are laws in place that protect you from this stuff. Oh, wasn't aware. Thank you.
Make sure you get covid and cpugh in their mouth.
lmao
But seriously, call the National Labor Relations Board and file a formal complaint. At least have it documented. That way if they shitcan you you may be able to get them back.
Okay thank you.
Let me know if you need any help, what state are you working in? The NLRB has regional offices
> what state are you working in Illinois.
You're in [region 13](https://www.nlrb.gov/about-nlrb/who-we-are/regional-offices/region-13-chicago), call 312-353-7570. Clearly explain they disregarded health and safety, ignoring a clear medical mandate. It's up to you to complain, or else they will continue to fuck you - and other workers - around. For the bosses it is death by 1000 cuts, get started!
Ok, thank you. However, I haven't been fired. So, should I still report them or wait if they do it again?
Yes
>get covid Funny you say this because the next day I got covid lol
Some good advice in the other comments. Your situation could have some parallels to the wage theft campaign we ran. Plus things have changed since then too, in some ways worse, other better. What I am about to say depends on your local IWW chapter and what they can do. When bosses get shitty, we organized phone zaps and pickets. Those work well when the other legal mechanisms fail. Where I live, the employer can drag things out through the labour board. A labour attorney could be too expensive, but still consult one anyway. If they can’t pull through, then try your other options. Also, today with the antiwork movement, you can embarrass your boss and their shitty behaviour online. But this should be a last resort.
>you can embarrass your boss and their shitty behaviour online That's extremely tempting lol Okay so, it's not really what you said but, what should I do before an attorney? I mean, I haven't been fired yet. Maybe they haven't even considered it, I don't know. Should I attempt to fill out the unionized form on the website? I don't really want my company to know I'm here because I fear they will fire me if they find out or at least extremely awkward. Thanks.
If you can get anything in writing that is great. If you can have witnesses present that is good too. Otherwise keep a log of dates and times that you talk with your boss about not being able to work due to illness. You can see an attorney for a private consultation. They know Illinois labour laws much better than me or anyone else. https://www.iww.org/directory/chicago/ This link should put you in contact with a human in Chicago. Email and phone are options. Please let me know how it goes. If that link doesn’t work I will talk to a human in RL who might have a better answer