The policy of the United States Government to provide for the opportunity of employees to organize into Labor Organizations is founded in the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). The NLRA is administered by an agency of the Federal Government, the National Labor Relations Board, which provides vehicles for employees to organize a Union and remedies for employees discriminated against for doing so.

The provision of the NLRA which provides for employee organization is Section 7:

Employee Rights Under the

National Labor Relations Act

Right of Employees To Organization, Concerted Activity:

Section 7 -  Employees shall have the right to self-organization, to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing, and to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection, and shall also have the right to refrain from any or all such activities except to the extent that such right may be affected by an agreement requiring membership in a labor organization as a condition of employment as authorized in Section 8 (a)(3). (emphasis added)

While the NLRA itself is basic, there are volumes of case law developed since the inception of the Act which provide for its interpretation. While it appears that the rights of employees to organize is unfettered, the Employer retains rights which allow the Employer to impede the process. If you are aware of your rights, and exercise those rights properly, organizing a Union is a simple matter of exercising your rights. 

The NLRB has provided information concerning the right to organize, which are included here.

A Guide to Basic Law and Procedure Under the NLRA

Summary of the National Labor Relations Act

Representation Cases - Or, how the organizing process occurs

Unfair Labor Practices - How the NLRB enforces the Act.

The IBEW has developed information concerning employee rights in any campaign for workplace democracy. It is important that all employees become aware of those rights.

Supervisors Beware - - What Supervisors and Employers Cannot Do

Distribution and Solicitation by Employees - - Or, how to work your campaign within the NLRA's rules

The LMRDA - - The Union Member's Bill of Rights

IBEW Organizing Committee Training