Union vs. non-union?

Question

I am in Houston Texas, and I am about to apply to work as an electrical apprentice. Can you tell me what the benifits of working in the union vs. non-union. What are the dues for. And, of course, is it really worth it, or does it not matter. I will pick the best answer. THANK YOU

Answer 1

Follow the link below to a site that will provide you with plenty of valuable information on the Electrical trade and the pros and cons of union & non-union work.
Good luck.

Answer 2

There's a lot of union debate here in Michigan because of the UAW (United Auto Whiners), but not all unions are like the UAW. Many unions provide valuable services for their members like extra medical care, legal services, and discount coupons for various things like hotels, rental cars, etc., just to name a few of the benefits. They will also defend their members whenever any adverse action is contemplated, like a write-up or termination of employment, so you don't have to feel like you're a mouse going up against a gorilla if you get in "trouble". Union labor in trades like electronics is also a good thing because the union guarantees their work while at the same time setting a "baseline" for what skilled tradespeople like millwrights, carpenters, and electricians charge. Of course, you also have the union taking the fight against management whenever they feel management is trying to employ unfair rules or policies. These are the things that you're paying for as a union member, and since most union dues are not very expensive I'd say go with the union. You may never take advantage of any of the benefits or services they offer, but you'll be happy you can if you ever need the union's help.

Answer 3

Without unions any person in the labor-force would be "expected" to drive said truck. Many accidents and fatalities arise when such practises are expected in the workplace. Those injured usually receive nothing without union representation. Without unions, wages are kept to the minimum levels possible. There IS a direct link between workforce wages and middle-management wages. When unions are weak or nonexistent then workforce wages are kept low, which is reflected by low wages for all management except the very top: about whom we hear plenty, giving a very misleading impression about non-union workplaces. Without unions the cost of production goes down; as does the quality, safety, durability and life expectancy of the product. Then all the financial benefits are usually directed into the salary packets of the senior management. This also removes spending money from society which usually generates unemployment. This is a very viscous cycle, which if left alone (you'll have to research his) can only generate global warfare: within capitalist society. Even the very rich benefit from unionised workforces, though the fantastic stupidity that they all demonstrate with their never-ending drive for personal wealth at ALL costs, suggests that they are completely incapable understanding this fact. Before unions came into being, if you were harmed or killed at work you were simply replaced with no compensation to you or your family. The vast majority of accidents that a person is involved in at their workplace are caused by somebody else: Can you imagine losing your entire livelihood because of somebody elses actions? The very idea that unions are anything less than the best thing that can exist for working people is insane. Working people opposed to unions should give some of their life to finding out just how bad life was for their kind before unions came into being.

Answer 4

Belonging to a union give you an equal voice with management.
Without unions, pensions and health insurance, honest time cards, and vacation time would all be up to the company, and we have seen how that has worked out when business has it ALL their way. Non union shops don't have grievance procedures so you can get fired for 'cause' and theres nothing you can do. A union will fight for you to have a hearing and possible reinstatement. They will also bargain so your benefits won't get mangled at the whim of management. They represent you at the bargaining table and at hearings if the company doesn't play fair. If you aren't a union member, you get generally a lower pay scale, and few if any benefits, and no one has your back with the company.
We have been both union and non-union, and when he gets a union job I breathe a sigh of relief for my family. Its worth it to me and mine. And yes, he works just as hard on both types of jobs, union does not mean lazy, it just means he has the same access to lawyers if he needs them that management has, and yes, I know that annoys management quite often and they say slanted things about Unions and union workers, but, they get their bonuses don't they?

Answer 5

I have NEVER had a union ever do anything for me. They have only taken my money and then went along with their own agenda of maintaining the status quo. I'm not anti-union; I merely know that they're uselessly corrupt.