Say no to Union busters

How to Identify and Handle a Union Buster: A Worker’s Guide

Union-busting consultants are often hired by companies to disrupt union drives, spread misinformation, and intimidate workers. These consultants can make as much as $3,500 per day to interfere with your right to organize. Here’s how to identify, expose, and neutralize their tactics.

Step 1: Identify the Union Buster

  1. Ask for their name – Politely but firmly ask them to state their full name clearly.
  2. Verify their identity – Inform them that union busters often use aliases. Ask to see their driver’s license to confirm their real name.
    • If the name on their ID doesn’t match what they told you, they’ve lost all credibility.
    • If they refuse to show you their ID, they’re likely hiding something.

Step 2: Record One-on-One Conversations

  1. If the consultant pulls you into a private meeting, start recording on your phone.

  2. As you begin recording, say:

    "I don’t always remember things the first time I hear them, so I’m going to record this conversation, okay?"

  3. Watch their reaction:

    • If they refuse to let you record, they clearly don’t want a record of what they’re saying—another red flag.

Note: In some states, recording conversations without consent may be illegal. If you’re unsure, take detailed notes immediately after the conversation.

Step 3: Document and Report

  1. Take pictures – If this person is at your workplace, take clear photos of them.
  2. Gather information – Document their name, any false claims they make, and anything unusual they do or say.
  3. Report to union organizers – Share all gathered information with your union team so they can track and expose union-busting efforts.

Step 4: Educate Your Co-Workers

  • Inform your colleagues about who this person is and their role in union-busting.
  • Remind everyone that their goal is to scare, confuse, and manipulate workers into voting against the union.
  • Encourage others to document their interactions as well.

Remember:

You have the right to organize without intimidation.
Union busters rely on deception—expose them to weaken their influence.
Stay united. The stronger you and your co-workers stand together, the less effective their tactics become.

By following these steps, you can help protect your workplace from corporate union-busting and ensure that workers have a fair chance to make their own decision about unionizing.