This page is maintained by the Rank and File (RAF) Caucus of AWU-CWA Local 9009. A comprehensive glossary of union and labor terms. Use this as a reference when you encounter unfamiliar terminology.
A fee paid to a union by non-members in a unionized workplace to cover the cost of collective bargaining representation. Not applicable in many tech contexts.
A dispute resolution process in which a neutral third party (arbitrator) hears both sides and issues a binding or non-binding decision. Often used when a grievance cannot be resolved through the grievance procedure steps.
An elected Executive Board member without a specific officer title, who represents members generally.
The specific group of workers covered by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Defined by the NLRB election or by agreement.
The foundational rules governing a union's structure and operations. AWU bylaws are available at go.awu.fyi/bylaws.
A political grouping within a union that shares a common perspective or agenda. The RAF (Rank and File) Caucus is a caucus within AWU-CWA.
The legally binding contract between a union and an employer covering terms and conditions of employment. Also called "the contract."
A geographic or workplace-based subgroup of AWU that organizes locally. Chapters hold their own meetings and can have representation in the Assembly.
An arrangement where the employer deducts union dues directly from paychecks and remits them to the union.
The national union to which AWU-CWA Local 9009 is affiliated. CWA provides resources, legal support, and solidarity networks.
Coordinated activity by workers to advance their shared interests. Includes petitions, walkouts, strikes, and more. Protected under the NLRA as "concerted activity."
The process of negotiating between a union and an employer over wages, benefits, and conditions of employment.
Workers acting together for mutual aid or protection. Protected under Section 7 of the NLRA regardless of union membership.
Regular financial contributions made by members to support union operations. Managed via go.awu.fyi/payment.
See Check-Off.
The elected body of officers that manages day-to-day union operations. Accountable to the membership.
Moving a grievance or action to a higher level when resolution is not achieved at the current level.
A member in good standing has paid their dues and met other membership requirements, making them eligible to vote and participate in union governance.
A formal complaint that a worker's rights have been violated under a contract, law, or policy. See Grievances.
When collective bargaining negotiations stall because the two sides cannot reach agreement.
In organizing, preparing workers for expected employer anti-union arguments before they hear them, so the arguments are less effective.
Distributing informational materials to workers or the public. A protected organizing activity.
The annual financial disclosure form required of labor unions by the Department of Labor. AWU's LM-2 is at go.awu.fyi/lm-2.
A local union chapter affiliated with a national union. AWU-CWA is CWA Local 9009.
Provisions in a contract specifying what management retains the exclusive right to decide.
Topics the employer is legally required to bargain over with a recognized union, including wages, hours, and working conditions.
A formal proposal made during a meeting for the union to take an action or adopt a position. Requires a second and a vote.
Federal law passed in 1935 that protects workers' rights to organize and engage in collective action. Administered by the NLRB.
The federal agency that enforces the NLRA, oversees union elections, and investigates unfair labor practices. Visit nlrb.gov.
A contract provision in which the union agrees not to strike during the contract term in exchange for a binding grievance procedure.
AWU's model: open to all Alphabet workers and TVCs regardless of employer recognition, rather than a defined bargaining unit. Provides solidarity and organizing capacity without requiring NLRB recognition first.
A worker who others naturally look to for guidance and trust, often without any formal title. Identifying and developing organic leaders is a core organizing strategy.
A consistent course of conduct in a workplace that may be enforceable even if not explicitly written in the contract.
Workers demonstrating outside a workplace to publicize a labor dispute. Protected by the NLRA with certain limitations.
A procedural challenge raised at a meeting when a member believes the rules are being violated. Must be addressed immediately by the facilitator.
A written document submitted to a union meeting for discussion and vote.
The minimum number of members required to be present for a meeting to conduct official business. See Bylaws for AWU's quorum requirements.
The political caucus within AWU-CWA that maintains this wiki. See About RAF.
The process by which union members vote to approve a negotiated contract.
When an employer officially acknowledges a union as the representative of the workers. Can come through an NLRB election or voluntary recognition.
A standard set of parliamentary procedures often used to run union meetings. See Meetings & Procedures.
When a member supports a motion by saying "I second the motion," signaling it is worth discussing.
Rights under the NLRA to organize, join a union, and engage in collective activity for mutual aid or protection.
A union member trained and empowered to represent workers in grievances and workplace disputes.
A work stoppage in which workers collectively refuse to work as a tactic to win demands. See Collective Action.
A small action used to test whether organized support is real and whether people will follow through on commitments.
Agreement reached on a specific provision during contract negotiations. All TAs together make up the proposed contract, which is then ratified.
Workers at Alphabet who are employed through a third-party staffing agency or as contractors. AWU-CWA's open-source model includes TVCs.
A violation of the NLRA, such as firing workers for organizing or refusing to bargain in good faith. ULP charges are filed with the NLRB.
An organization of workers that negotiates collectively with employers and advocates for workers' rights and interests.
A contract provision requiring workers in the bargaining unit to join the union or pay dues as a condition of employment (prohibited in right-to-work states).
Workers collectively leaving work in protest, typically for a defined period. A type of strike action.
The right of a union member to have union representation during an investigatory interview that could lead to discipline. Applies where a union is recognized.
A job action in which workers strictly follow all rules and no more — no voluntary overtime, no going above and beyond — to slow operations without a formal strike.
See also: Union 101 for an introduction to union basics, and Resources for more references.
Maintained by the RAF Caucus | Wiki Home | Content reflects RAF Caucus perspective and may not represent official AWU-CWA positions.