2025 Resource Articles

Know Your Rights! Direct Dealing

Direct Dealing or Union bypass is an unfair labor practice. The Union, our Union, is the sole legitimate

collective bargaining agent for you. It is illegal for Management to engage in negotiations about terms and

conditions of employment directly with you. As Local 1940 AFT members, you should be aware, that at

times, Management may do exactly that. This practice intentionally undermines your Union’s power and

strength if left unchallenged.

The very essence of our Union’s purpose is to negotiate collectively. Even though it is clear to

Management, that the Union is your sole bargaining agent, they may act in ignorance or defiance of the

law. Direct Dealing undermines our Union’s ability to effectively bargain collectively and retain its hard-

won gains. If Direct Dealing occurs, contact your Union immediately, and the appropriate action will be taken.

                                                                                                              A few examples of Direct Dealing by Management:

                                                          ♦ Asking you directly for your view concerning adjustments to your contracted work schedule

                                                          ♦ Asking you directly for your assistance in creating a work schedule other than that contracted by your Union

                                                          ♦ Communications sent directly to you requesting your opinion of proposed changes to your contracted 

                                                          employment in an attempt to alter your contracted terms and conditions

                                                         ♦ Proposing benefits to you to weaken the collective bargaining power of your Union