It is your legally protected right to organize and form a union. 

• In Minnesota, public employees are protected under the Public Employee Labor Relations Act (PELRA)
• In South Dakota, public employees are protected by the Public Employees’ Unions statute
• The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) is the federal law protecting private sector employees.

 You have the right to...

• Form and join labor organizations;
• Organize fellow employees, support the union and distribute literature and membership cards to be signed;
• Participate in meetings to discuss joining a union;
• Distribute union flyers and brochures in non-work areas during breaks and lunch;
• Petition and join together with co-workers to protest unfair treatment or demand improvements in wages, hours or working conditions;
• File complaints against your employer;
• Wear union buttons, stickers, T-shirts and hats;
• Vote by secret ballot election to designate a union to represent you and your coworkers to bargain grievance procedures and terms and conditions of employment.

Your employer cannot lawfully...

• Favor employees who oppose the Union over ones who support it----this includes promotions and special treatment;
• Threaten to close your place of employment if you support joining a union;
• Bar you from discussing the union with co-workers during non-working hours;
• Threaten to take your way your wages and benefits if you support joining join a union;
• Promise you raises or other favors if you oppose joining a union;
• Ask employees about the union, union meetings, or any other questions about the organizing & administration of your union.

“Our labor unions are not narrow, self-seeking groups. They have raised wages, shortened hours and provided supplemental benefits. Through collective bargaining and grievance procedures, they have brought justice and democracy to the shop floor.” - John F. Kennedy