Union or Non-Union. Tell me whats better. I am a Union man.?

Answer 1

Non-union. I was part of a union once. All they did was take union dues out of my paycheck and promote a 12th (count 'em - 12!) vice president. What the hell? Why do I need to put my hard-earned cash to some schmuck's 6-figure salary who's not doing crap for me? Why do you think more and more unions are going the way of the dinosaur? My dad was a union man for decades, too, until one of the execs at his union stole all the pension money. Unions suck! (Literally and figuratively.)

Answer 2

They both have their positives and negatives. I have worked in both. I prefer non union, mainly because the union I was in was weak, people were always trying to get away with whatever they could. When I quit that job, the union was still sending me notices saying I owed them dues from months before. It's like they didn't even know that I had quit. The company that I work at now is non union, and I get treated pretty good.

Answer 3

I'm an employer and a union member. I agree with alot that has been said in this forum. There are good and bad being union and non-union. It's harder to "fire" someone when they are union. Work ethics and quality of work - I would say are about the same. There is one thing that stands out by being a union member. When you join the local you file an application just once. If I wanted to work in California today I just show up and sign their day book. When it comes to my turn to review the job list and if I find a job I like then I go to work the very next day. If I wanted to move to Florida then I just show up at the local and sign their day book look at the job list and if I find a job that I like then I go to work the next day. I do not need to keep filling out applications and waiting for an interview to know whether or not I get that job.
As for benefits - the union has ok benefits. There are alot of non-union companies that don't have health insurance. The unions all have health insurance and is paid by the company you are working for. Non-union companies that do offer some sort of health insurance usually has their employees pay 1/3 to 1/2 of the monthly cost.
As for pay - unions pay about 6 to 8 dollars an hour more then non-union. We also have "company" paid retirement fund. As for pay raises - the local negotiates the contract usually every 3 to 4 years due to the cost of living. This includes the amount of health insurance increases and increase to our retirement fund. It's all paid by the company that you are working for. When the job is done you report back to the local, sign the day book and take another job. Non -union when you get laid off you usually are looking for a while for another job.
Holiday pay and vacation pay - This depends on what is negotated in the contract if you are union. Non-union usually gives you at least 1 weeks paid vacation and 6 to 8 paid holidays.
As for fees or "Dues" - yes we pay dues out of our own paycheck each and every week.
In the DC / Northern Virginia area an electrician (AJ) earns between 60 to 70 thousand a year. Annual dues would be about $1,300. This is also a tax write off on your 1040.
Like I stated - there are good and bad. Depends on what you want our of life.

Answer 4

If it is a strong union and they have the employees best interest at heart, then go union brother, if they are a bunch of knuckleheads, then maybe its better to not join,

where i work our union dues are ridiculous for no legal, little negotiating power and poor attendance. yeah go union, :(

Answer 5

I have worked both and union is the way to go. Better money, hours, insurance, education allowance, etc.

Answer 6

union

Answer 7

Some jobs union ,my home town had a lot of factories ,they need unions.I now work at a Walmart ,we don't.

Answer 8

non-union...I do not need to pay someone to lye, cheat, steal, and claim they are doing it in my best interest...company man all the way!

Answer 9

union earns you more money but they take that money for their fees.....ugh