Customer Reviews

The Union Member's Complete Guide: Everything You Want -- And Need -- To Know About Working Union

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Finally, someone has written a book in plain English that explains just exactly what a union is and how a union operates. The Union Member's Complete Guide by Michael Maurer was written for the average American Joe or Josephine to explain the union experience from the point of view of the member or potential member -- in other words, from the bottom-up.

This is a guide book that describes the basic elements of the union in concise terms. What is the difference between the union and non-union workplace? What are dues and how are they determined? What are the rights and responsibilities of being a union member? What is a union contract? What is a grievance procedure?

Because the union experience is so rarely expressed or defined in this country, there needed to be a book like this that spells it all out. Whether you are already in a union or are thinking of joining one, I heartily recommend this practical guide, complete with glossary, "helpful contacts" and index.

Saul Schniderman
President, Library of Congress Professional Guild
AFSCME 2910

I purchased this book and gave it to a friend to read who had problems at work with a recent contract in which she and others were neglected in the pay increases. Michael Mauer's book is written in such an easy and practical style that it gave her the confidence to initiate an unfair labor practice with the National Labor Relations Board which was signed by the others in her department. The ULP was denied because it was not filed within the 6 months time frame but my friend is confident that the union will not forget them in the next contract. Kudos to Mr. Mauer for writing such a practical and useful book.

I've been active in my teacher's union for over 20 years, but even
with that background, I found THE UNION MEMBER'S COMPLETE
GUIDE by Michael Mauer to be a most worthwhile book to read . . . it
reminded me of some things that I had forgotten and even taught me some
new stuff as well.

Mauer, director of organizing and services for the American Association
of University Professors, really knows his stuff . . . you can tell he has
an extensive union background from reading virtually any page, and
you'll appreciate how he takes almost anything a union member needs
to know (e.g., how to file a grievance) and breaks it down into steps
to follow that are easily understood.

I particularly liked his breakdown on an employee's right to have
a union representative, a situation we too often have to deal with
at my college . . . as he notes, under "Weingarten rights," an employee
has the legal right to have a union representative--but not a
lawyer--present during a meeting with management if all
of the following conditions are met:

1. The meeting is an investigatory interview. This means that
you are expected to answer questions in connection with an inquiry
into possible wrongdoing or unacceptable behavior. Weingarten rights
do not cover meetings where the communication is one-way; that is,
when the purpose is merely to convey information to you or to notify
you of a decision already made regarding discipline.

2. Disciplinary action may result from the meeting. The law requires
only that disciplinary action--of any severity--is one possible result
of the meeting.

3. You "reasonably believe" that disciplinary action may result. If there
is a legal dispute over whether your concern about possible disciplinary
action is "reasonable," the determination will be made based on all the
circumstances surrounding the meeting: Has your supervisor previously
raised the possibility of discipline? Have other employees already been
disciplined for what you're accused of? Are you already working under
the threat of a performance warning letter?

4. You make a request for representation. This is another way Weingarten
rights differ from Miranda rights: your employer generally is under no
obligation to inform you of your right to be represented. It's up to you
to know your rights, and to assert them.

The above is so good that I'm going to copy it and share with
several of our union officers . . . in fact, there's a lot more that is
worth sharing . . . do yourself a favor and get Mauer's book for
any prospective or future member who really wants to understand
what it means to belong to a union.

This book gave me timely advice when I needed it, As a reference guide this book is worth having if your in a union.

Everything you whant to know about being in a union. Written by the same people as Complete Stewards Guide. Both are very good books and easy to read.

This book is still up-to-date! Packed with great information in laymen terms for anyone in a union, or thinking about joining a union. Union "Busters" should read it so that they can ease back from what is known as the largest social movement on the planet.

"Unions sexist because employees see that dealing with an employer only as individuals ultimately puts each of us in a weaker position." We can only hope that union leaders will show the fortitude to represent their members with empathy, and stay away from special personal deals like the right to barricade themselves in an office and sleep all day as long as they keep down the grievances.

Truly appreciate the extensive directory of more than 90 major unions in the United States complete with web address and phone numbers.

Every union member, wannabe, or gonna-be member should add this handy reference to their step-your-game-up library.

Find out what Mr. Michael Mauer has to say about the labor "Bill of Rights" and the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act.

I have been researching union policies, law and collective bargaining for the past month in a crash course system. This book is a great book that all union members should have. It covers things like organization and a general history to arbitration and collective bargaining. I wish everyone involved with a union would get this book, read it and become more active in their own organization. Unions are an essential part to the labor history of this country and its up to the laborer to keep these groups alive.