Reddit reviews Labor Law for the Rank & Filer: Building Solidarity While Staying Clear of the Law

Document everything. Carry around a notepad and write down everything the bosses do that even seems suspicious. Whenever you talk with the boss, do it in groups, dont allow yourself or others to be cornered. Also note performance, the bosses will likely try and fabricate a reason to fire troublemakers. Also i believe 2 party states make an exception if you believe a law is going to be infringed. If im wrong about that, remember to write every detail you can remember, that kind of paper trail is vital for an nlrb case.

You are legally protected from being fired for speaking in favor of the union. The bosses will spread misinformation about unions, do research. It is illegal to threaten layoffs, closure, or pay cuts.

I recommend this book.

In short, yes and no. Labor law not to empower workers, but really to keep unions in check. Especially with regards to marginalized workers, the only real form of protection is direct work place organizing. It is a good thing to be aware of when organizing in the US, but ultimately all power comes from workers on the job anyway. There is a really good book on the subject called Labor Law for the Rank and Filer. Here is copy of the pdf

You can start by talking to coworkers that have the same issues at work that you do. In addiction and abuse treatment, I imagine there are many. Get a committee of people together and reach out to a union in that field, I think this would be SEIU in NNJ, but I don't know. They'll get you started on the organizing process.

Alternatively, I'm sure in your area of the country there are union employers in that field. Try to seek them out and run for office in your local. The labor movement needs passionate activists right now.

This is also a good (and short) book: https://www.amazon.com/Labor-Law-Rank-Filer-Solidarity/dp/1604864192/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1484749119&sr=1-1&keywords=gross+labor+law