Union-organizing drives pose challenges for unions, employees and employers under the best of circumstances. The difficulty increases for a major retailer such as Target, which has locations nationwide.
The Facts
A union serves as a bargaining unit representing the interests of its members in negotiations with an employer on the terms and conditions of work.
Joining a Union
To represent employees, the union must certify to the National Labor Relations Board -- the agency responsible for ensuring legal compliance by unions and employers -- that at least 30 percent of employees support an election. The NLRB investigates this claim before the election. If the union receives a majority vote, it can bargain with the employer.
Opposition to Unions
Many employers don't support unions in the workplace, and sometimes use the length of litigation to their advantage, according to the AFL-CIO. During the wait for a legal decision, employees may change their minds about the necessity of a union.
Unions at Target
Target uses various tactics in opposing unions and stymieing employees' efforts to collectively bargain. Holly Rosenkrantz explains on Bloomberg.com that Target shows a video to new hires that discourages them from seeking union representation. The corporation also opposes legislation that could make unionization easier. Some locations have had limited success in unionizing, however.
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