Union vs. Non-Union

***907DAVE*** · #1 Sun, May 9th, 2010, 08:11 PM

There are MANY issues with Unions.

I will not get into my view on this............... but you got to eat. Do whatever puts food on the table.

***Jackpine*** · #2 Sun, May 9th, 2010, 08:30 PM

I'll simply ask this question: "What has the union done for you while you've been working for this man?" If you can come up with some positive responses, it will guide you one way. If you say, "Not much.", it sends you the other way.

Unions can certainly be a positive force. They can also be a parasite. Which have they been for you?

- Jack

***Longshot270*** · #3 Sun, May 9th, 2010, 08:51 PM

Jack is right. Down here we have the pipe fitter's union (basically a welding union) and that would be a good one to be in because very rarely do they not have a job to do(from what I've heard). But if things are really slow in your union then go with your boss and assume the economy and everything will get better. My dad has been lineman for a co-op down here for years and the utility companies have been hiring less people and just contracting smaller businesses instead to do the same exact work.

***88Racing*** · #4 Sun, May 9th, 2010, 11:28 PM

Being a 17 year member in LU 669 I was in almost the same predicament you are in three years ago. The boss was going to flip sides due to some poor advice from his "buddies".
He finally seen what it was going to cost him and us.
During that turmoil my wife and I experienced a miscarraige also. So I put my name in on the travel book until the boss got his act together and was hired within a day at another company. I completed their work and by that time my boss had seen the light and I went back to work for him.
So there is still some trust issues that are lacking in the shop to this day.
If I would have followed him in his plan to go nonunion there would have been some penalties(fines) I wouldn't ever have been able to overcome.
These trust issues were present at last months negociations also and it was a trying time not knowing nothing.
It's a hard decision. I know.........

majek5 · #5 Mon, May 10th, 2010, 06:52 PM

I have been "traveling" in surrounding locals for the last 12-13 years, better pay and just as close. But now with the unemployment crisis, that is not an option. The "book" for my home local has not moved in almost 2 years. All of this makes for a

lovely situation to be in!

cajunboy2208 · #6 Mon, May 10th, 2010, 07:00 PM

Does the guy know that you are in a union?
In Louisiana, we dont have such a thing for us electricians, and it sucks. I have been out of a job for over a month, and nothing is opening up anytime soon. Been living on unemployment, somehow.

***88Racing*** · #7 Mon, May 10th, 2010, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by majek5

I have been "traveling" in surrounding locals for the last 12-13 years, better pay and just as close. But now with the unemployment crisis, that is not an option. The "book" for my home local has not moved in almost 2 years. All of this makes for a

lovely situation to be in!

During these economic times "buying" a job or submitting a "horehouse" price to get work seems to be a good idea at the time.
Also he's looking at competitive market wages in your area and getting squeemish due to the fact his profit margin is getting tighter because you have an agreed upon set wage.