In UE, the members run the union through rank-&-file democratic control. The members make the important decision that affect their own local unions.

This is why we chose the UE. They are known as the "Union for Everyone"  and have the same progressive values that we hold here at Willy Street Co-op. We wanted an organization that we controlled, because we are the ones who work at Willy Street. 

UE Guarantees Rank-&-File Democracy:

• We will elect our own negotiating committee
• We will vote to decide contract demands to present to the boss in negotiations
• We will vote to accept or reject the union contract when negotiations are finished
• We will control our own local affairs
• We will elect our own officers and stewards
• Every member will have the right to hold any office or position in the union
• We will have the right to speak out and have our opinions respected as members in the union at local membership meetings

UE is the union for Co-ops. We run this union.

Check out the hand-out below that details what makes UE different from business unions

By standing united, Co-op workers just like us have been able to fight for better working conditions, policies, and pay by negotiating a collective bargaining agreement, or contract, with their employer. Some of the things that other Co-op workers in UE won:

• Across-the-board pay increases and guaranteed annual pay increases. No more merit-based pay increases, every Co-op worker is entitled to good pay increases under a union contract.
• Training pay and third shift differentials. Co-op workers are entitled to extra pay when taking on additional responsibilities of training co-workers or working over night.
• Increased vacation time and the right to use their vacation. Co-op workers' requests for time off shall not be unreasonably denied
• Fully paid public transportation so that workers can get to work.
• Emergency vacation/sick time pool. Co-op workers can donate their extra accrued time off to help their co-workers who are in need.
• Fair attendance policy. Co-op workers at Hunger Mountain Co-op negotiated a "grace period" so people are not penalized for clocking in one to two minutes late, and no points for a doctor's note.
• Language that limits management's ability to monitor work performance by camera. 
• Just cause protections. Co-op workers no longer are subject to arbitrary discipline and termination without just cause.
• A grievance procedure. Co-op workers have the ability to fight back when unjustly disciplined or terminated. They will also be able to ensure that management is following the rules set forth by the contract.
• The right to evaluate management. Co-op workers have the right to annually evaluate Co-op management.
• ...and much more

In UE, the members run the union. We here at Willy Street Co-op will be able to craft our own proposals to take to the negotiating table. We are the union.