There's been talk of forming a union for quite some time at Kickstarter-- the story first broke in March. The CEO has already said he would respect a secret vote. Why hasn't this occurred?
I question if there's a genuine need or desire among employees to unionize.If Kickstarter truly were a house of horrors, you'd think employees would be rushing to hold a vote.
My guess is that employee support for a union is tepid at best.
> I question if there's a genuine need or desire among employees to unionize.If Kickstarter truly were a house of horrors [..]
When two companies not on the verge of bankruptcy merge, do you also "question if there's a genuine need" for the merger? Or is it only when labor organizes that they have to justify it to some arbitrary 'house of horrors' standard, while capital can organize and consolidate as it wishes, and face no criticism?
According to Kickstarter:
"On retaliation: In May, 28 staff members put their names on a statement supporting the union efforts. Fifteen of those staff members were on a cycle that made them eligible for mid-year raises or promotions. Fourteen out of those 15 received a merit-based raise, and three were promoted. That’s not the behavior of a company that is looking to punish union supporters."
The law protects the right of employees to engage in protected concerted activities-group action to improve wages, benefits, and working conditions and to engage in union activities and support a union.
I would think 3 would be plenty for a lawsuit that forces kickstarter to hire them back so they can complete their work :P Can you still organize a union in a company after being fired from it? I would make it my life mission if I were in their place for the principle of the thing.
