Getting a job at Albertsons? Joining the union?

Question

I am getting a job at my local albertsons next week and my dad just told me i have to join the union to work there. It costs money and i got to fill out some stuff but then i found out from a friend that i also have to take a drug test. This was about a month ago when he told me that so i stopped smokin and finally i was going to be able to smoke after i got hired but now my dad is telling me i dont really have to do any of that stuff till later like 3 to 4 months.(By the way my dad is the manager of the store and thats why he knows all that stuff). So my question is for anyone who has joined the union for there job or if someone just knows about it, do they take drug tests? When do they? and if there is anything else i should know about being in the union or working for albertsons?

Answer 1

I have been a memeber of a union and it sucked. It was the UFCW. Before you decide to work there find out how often you will get a raise, ask about benefits, and vacation time. Also ask how many hours you will be guarenteed. If they are not going to give you raises, benefits, and vacation time, trust me you do not want to spend your hard earned money on a union. Sometimes other non-union stores will offer you more.

Answer 2

Well, my advice will probably be WAY different than what you get from anyone else. First, STOP using drugs. Then you never have to worry about whether you'll pass a drug test. And you will save money. And you don't have to worry about getting busted, going to jail, or paying a big fine.

Second, whether you have to "join" the union or not depends on what's in the contract, and what state you live in. You never have to join, you just might have to pay initiation and dues, which most people equate to joining. My advice would be to join the union, and get active in the union. It's there for you, not for Albertsons.

It's the employer who requires drug tests, not the union.