Is there a national online registry where people can safely request to be represented by a union? or

[srican69]

shouldn't there be one?

trying to unionize face to face can be dangerous as people can get fired, and no one wants to risk it.

[leftyohiolib]

1. people died in order to start the union movement - now noone wants to even risk getting fired

but it's seems like a good idea- unions should have a 'want to unionize'? section where people can goto and learn how and/or get backing but you're not going to get it with without sticking your neck out cause they're gonna find who is trying to unionize.

[Brickbat]

2. It kind of defeats the purpose. You ARE the union.

Dangerous? Not really. Besides, being fired for union organizing is actionable. It just takes time and effort. No one says it's easy.

[upaloopa]

6. But you still get fired for some trumped up reason.

You have to be willing to take them to court at your expense after you are fired.

[Brickbat]

8. Yes. As I said, it's not easy.

But it's easier than being shot on the picket line, I think.

[former9thward]

3. The answer specifically is no.

However you can certainly get in touch with most major unions online. Just google AFL-CIO or the name of a union you might be interested in and their websites will show up. Then you can contact them. However organizing a union online would be difficult unless you know the emails of the workers where you are. Unionization is protected by the National Labor Relations Act which is administered by the National Labor Relations Board. They can assist you if you run into problems from the company if you are organizing a union or some other type of employee group. http://www.nlrb.gov/

[upaloopa]

4. Find out what unions are in your line of work

or who represents workers in your area and go to their website.
I am in the SEIU and there is a website with the locals listed I thing

[Alva Goldbook]

5. There is the National Labor Relations Board....

...but that's about the closest thing you'll find.

The best way to unionize is to start exchanging phone numbers with your co-workers and talk to them outside work. Before you do that, it's a good idea to call up your local union and speak to a representative about how to proceed. They will have more resources and information than you'd ever imagine. They'll let you know how to proceed, how to plan your strategy, etc. All you gotta do is get 51% of your coworkers to agree to be represented by a union. If you live in a right to work state, this is going to be much more difficult.

If you let me know what industry you work in (if you're comfortable disclosing that info to me), I see what I can find for you. I know a couple people who work for the Labor Dept. and I know someone who works for the SEIU. I'll help you out anyway I can. I'm not super familiar with this website yet, but if you want to private message me, feel free.

[jonthebru]

7. The fear is one thing, but the idea is good.

Underpaid and unemployed should have some sort of organized union. Even if it didn't help with the current employer, organizing could improve interaction with the government and politicians. Political action and lobbying should involve everyone. Musicians and artists are notorious for having poor or no benefits, they need in on such a thing as this as well. Also a clearing house of rights education would be valuable because one of the assets the cheapskate employers have is ignorance in the workplace. The worker simply does not know their rights.
Could you imagine a situation where people from many occupations become organized so as to have a very large turnout for political activism? In France the Unions are well organized, they have national strikes where everyone from trash collectors to surgeons stay home from work and rally en mass.