Union, maybe

[<I wonder>]

There is a rumbling of a union coming into our shop. I wonder if it would be a good thing.
On the one hand a union would protect the lazy and incompetent.
On the other, our benefit program isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on, they break up our week in odd ways as the mood suits to avoid/minimize OT, and all low to mid level employees would be fiscally better off in fast food, (regardless of seniority) while upper level personnel are paid well into 6 figures.

[Baltimore Shooter]

Man, oh man, there's a loaded question. I don't think you want my opnion. Anyone else???
Warren

[g0uld]

If you are worried about how things will change, when and if the union comes. GET INVOLVED! Alot of the changes that come with a newly unionized shop are dictated in the union contract or guidlines for the union. It can be a good thing, not having to work the O.T. if you don't want to, Schedule changes must be a week or two in advance and approved by those it affects. Lots of benifits to the union and some drawbacks but get involved and ecourage those it will affect to get involved. the voice of many is stronger than one, besides it will eventually come to a vote and it needs the majority to pass.

[<Union Maybe>]

Baltimore Shooter,
Yes, I do. I want to know the good, the bad, and the ugly!
I want to know what I'm voting for, or aginst/

[quicklad]

The key is that YOU are the union.

myndphug said it right. Get involved. How many people would be in your shop? your local? Go to meetings to state your views. It doesn't take that many like-minded people to form a voting block (that can be good or bad).

Is everything great with the Union? No - but any collective bargaining you can do for yourself and peers is better than going it alone. Also - you can work to change the union from within - unlike management.

Warren - isn't your idea of us freelancers having "minimum" guidelines essentially a form of collective bargaining?

Come on in, Brother (or Sister)
Eric

[<actionnewsman>]

&gt;&gt;On the one hand a union would protect the lazy and incompetent.&lt;&lt;

Not really. You're still an at-will employee, just like before. The difference is, you have union representation. If you a roll a live truck, you're screwed either way, but if management is firing you unjustly, the union may be able to help. No guarantees, but if you don't do something really stupid to get yourself fired, you'll be okay. The lazy and incompetent get by because they're allowed to. It has nothing to do with the union.

&gt;&gt;On the other, our benefit program isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on&lt;&lt;

It depends on your contract, but you may not get better benefits. With our contract, we get the same benefits as everyone else in the building. Our benefits have to be on par with everyone else, and all changes have to apply to everyone, not just us.

&gt;&gt;they break up our week in odd ways as the mood suits to avoid/minimize OT&lt;&lt;

This is where the collective bargaining agreement will help immensely. There will be rules that will protect against most of this nonsense. I'm in my first union job, and it is worth the check every month.

The above posters are right, the union is what you make it. If you get involved in the process, the union will be stronger.

Good luck.