Introduction

The Basics

Operating the Union

Contract Administration

Organizing

Building Trades and
Other Organizations

Labor Law

Politics and Government

Useful Information

Education

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Overview of Basic Worker Rights

Unions are the principle means for workers to organize and protect their rights on the job. You probably know that your collective bargaining agreement establishes the basic terms and conditions of work for your members. After all, before you became a leader, you were a member! But you might not know that most union contracts provide far more protections than state and federal laws. For example, in Indiana, there is no statutory right for workers to take breaks (unless they are under 18 years old and even then the right is limited). Indiana is among the so-called employment-at-will states, where workers can be fired for a host of reasons that might seem arbitrary, or for no reason at all.

The local union charter, issued by the International when your union first was organized, is probably posted but make sure its in a conspicuous place. It is a visible symbol of your predecessors’ struggles to gain a measure of security and dignity at work. The beginning of your term in office is a good time to reflect on that legacy and commitment to worker rights.

Click below to learn more about worker rights in the U.S. and abroad:
Overview of Basic Worker Rights (PowerPoint presentation)

Click below for a guide to major statutory protections. This may be used for a brochure.
Indiana Worker Rights (Word document)

Click below for agency contact information:
Indiana Agency Contact Information (PDF file)