Building A Better Community

Join our mission to create lasting social change in our own neighborhoods

Building A Better Community

Join our mission to create lasting social change in our own neighborhoods

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach out to us if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What is a right-to-work state?

A "right to work" state is one where state law prohibits union security agreements between employers and labor unions. In these states, employees cannot be compelled to join a union or pay union dues as a condition of employment, even if a union represents the workers at their place of employment. This means that workers in a unionized workplace can choose whether or not to join the union or support it financially, without risking loss of employment.

Can I be fired in a right-to-work state for joining a union?

In a right-to-work state, as in any other state in the U.S., it is illegal for an employer to fire someone for considering joining a union. This protection is provided under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), which protects the rights of employees to organize, form, join, or assist a union regardless of the state's right-to-work status.

Right-to-work laws relate specifically to whether employees can be required to join a union or pay union dues as a condition of employment. These laws do not affect the protections against retaliation for union-related activities, including the consideration of joining a union. Employers who take punitive action against employees for their union activities, such as considering membership, can be charged with unfair labor practices under the NLRA.

How Can a union benefit me?

Unions can provide a variety of benefits to members, impacting both workplace conditions and broader aspects of job security and employee rights. Here are some of the key advantages:

Collective Bargaining: Unions negotiate with employers on behalf of their members to secure better wages, benefits, and working conditions. This collective bargaining tends to result in higher wages and better benefit packages compared to non-union workers in similar sectors.
Job Security: Union contracts often include provisions that protect workers from being fired without just cause, thereby enhancing job security. These agreements typically establish clear disciplinary procedures and require that any terminations be justified.
Improved Benefits: Benefits negotiated for union members often include health insurance, pension plans, paid leave, and other employee benefits that might be more generous than those offered to non-union employees.
Health and Safety: Unions play a critical role in advocating for safer workplace conditions. They work to ensure that employers comply with occupational safety and health regulations and may negotiate for even higher standards.
Professional Development: Many unions provide training and continuing education opportunities, which can help workers advance their skills and increase their value in the workplace.
Legal Representation: Unions typically offer legal representation to members dealing with work-related issues, such as grievances about unfair treatment or wrongful termination.
Voice in the Workplace: Union membership gives workers a stronger voice in how their workplace is run. This can include input on schedules, work practices, and other policies that affect their daily lives.
Solidarity and Support: Being part of a union means being part of a community with shared interests and goals. This can provide emotional and practical support, particularly in challenging workplace situations.
Equality and Fair Treatment: Unions help to promote equality at work, advocating for fair treatment of all employees. They work to combat discrimination and ensure that promotions, raises, and other opportunities are awarded fairly.
Legislative Influence: Unions also advocate for policies and legislation that benefit all workers, not just their members. This includes lobbying for minimum wage increases, worker safety regulations, and rights that affect broader labor markets.

What types of programs does Our Lagniappe offer?

Our Lagniappe offers a wide range of programs, networking connections and specified training and educational classes on a variety of social issues effecting our communities.

How is Our Lagniappe funded?

Our Lagniappe is funded through donations from individuals, corporations, and grants from foundations. Please contact us to learn more about how you can support our mission.

Our Community

To further enrich the fundraising events with volunteer aspects, here are additional details and ideas on how you can integrate volunteer opportunities into each of the proposed events, enhancing community engagement and promoting a culture of service within the company:

Charity Runs/Walks: Beyond participation, organize teams of employee volunteers to help with the logistics of these events, such as registration, guiding participants, or providing water and snacks at stations along the route. Employees can also volunteer to help in the planning phase or in promoting the event to maximize attendance.
Auction Events: Volunteers can play a crucial role in gathering items for the auction, setting up the venue, and managing the event on the day. They could also assist in cataloging donated items and running the auction software or sheets. Post-event, volunteers could help with the distribution or delivery of items.
Volunteer Days: Create a committee of employees who volunteer to identify and coordinate with local charities that need hands-on help. This committee could also track the impact of these volunteering efforts and share results with the rest of the company, boosting morale and demonstrating the tangible benefits of their work.
Themed Charity Competitions: Volunteers can organize and manage the logistics of the competition, including setting up venues, registering participants, judging entries, and ensuring the event runs smoothly. They can also take on roles in promoting the event to ensure high participation.
Charity Gala: Employee volunteers can help in every aspect of the gala, from planning and coordination to execution. This includes decorating, greeting guests, managing the check-in desk, and assisting in the setup and takedown of the event.
Seasonal Drives: Volunteers can lead the drive, coordinate the collection points, manage the inventory of donated items, and organize the delivery of these items to the respective charities. They could also volunteer to promote the drive within and outside the company to increase contributions.
Employee Skills Workshops: Employee volunteers can organize the workshops, handle registrations, set up the venues, and promote the events. They could also volunteer to teach the workshops, sharing their skills with others for a good cause.

Adding these volunteer opportunities allows employees to engage more deeply with each initiative, giving them a sense of ownership and achievement that goes beyond financial contributions. These efforts foster a stronger community spirit within the company and highlight the importance of active participation in charitable activities.

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Have My Righs Been Violated?

If employees' rights are violated, it is important to take clear and effective steps to address the situation. Here are some recommended actions:

Understand the Rights: Familiarize yourself with the specific rights that have been violated. This can involve reviewing local, state, and federal labor laws, including rights related to wages, working hours, safety, discrimination, and harassment.
Document the Violation: Encourage employees to document all instances of rights violations in detail, including dates, times, places, and the individuals involved. Documentation can be critical in pursuing any legal action or in filing a complaint with relevant authorities.
Internal Reporting: Employees should report the violation to their Human Resources (HR) department or through other internal complaint mechanisms. Most companies have policies and procedures for handling such complaints.
Seek Advice: It might be wise to consult a legal expert who specializes in labor law. A lawyer can provide guidance on the rights and options available, including the feasibility of legal action.
File a Complaint: If the issue is not resolved internally, employees can file a complaint with relevant government agencies. In the United States, for example, this might be the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for discrimination issues, or the Department of Labor for wage and hour disputes.
External Support: Employees can seek support from unions (if applicable), professional organizations, or advocacy groups dedicated to workers' rights. These organizations can offer resources, support, and sometimes direct intervention.
Public Awareness: In some cases, raising public awareness about the violation can put pressure on the employer to rectify the situation. This should be done carefully and ideally under the advice of a lawyer to avoid defamation risks or breaching confidentiality agreements.
Continued Monitoring: After addressing an initial complaint, it’s important to monitor the situation to ensure that the resolution is upheld and that no retaliatory actions are taken against those who reported the violation.

Taking these steps can help ensure that violations are addressed properly and that employees' rights are protected.

Building A Better Community

Building A Better Community

Frequently Asked Questions

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