I am wondering if other people feel their union supports them in their field of work, I keep finding that I don't get any help from the union and I feel like they just rob me of my 40$ each month, now there is talks of a controversy with the top dog of the union as well,

Unions have helped many employees in my industry whether it be for workcover issues, wages or office politics but I'm sure it's different everywhere. Lately the union I'm with has been very active in drafting up the new EBA's and trying to get them agreed on but the company has passed on a couple drafts so far.

It is fact that workers at unionised work places earn an average of 16% more than those at similiar non union sites. Improving wages is important but they do a lot more then just that. It does help to be part of it especially when various groups attack workers’ wages and conditions and try to strip away our rights.

I know of a lot of peeps in the industry that are against unions and try to discourage others from joining and their reasons are always the same, to shift the balance of power to them and away from the strength of employees working together. Their other attempts to discourage unions usually go hand in hand with attempts to introduce individual workplace contracts which is a big no-no IMO nothing worse then being stuck on a shitty contract.

Close2u said:

$40 that sounds a bit steep
I pay £1.67 pw towards my union fees, and i think we could be striking soon.

Close2u said:

You realize you can get those dues reduced, right? Simply write a letter to the union, telling them that you do not want to pay the portion of the dues that is used for political activities. By law, they must honor that - and reduce your dues accordingly.

Beyond that, I will spare you my anti-union feelings.

Close2u said:

Can you give an example of what you needed help with and what happened? There is always talk of controversy with the higher up in a union. It usually turns out to be bullshit.

Genesia said:

Union fees are also tax deductible.

No comment..when it comes to Unions

PanthaGirl said:

True - but only if you have enough deductions to make itemizing worthwhile.

Genesia said:

Not sure how/what tax deductions are claimed in the US but with my occupation anything that's a work related expense or part of job description that adds to an expense can be claimed either way. For example I can claim my makeup, hair products and cuts, dry cleaning, manicures, podiatry, hosiery, car, meal allowances etc.

PanthaGirl said:

Hear, hear.

Not saying that unions are perfect or always there for just anybody but without unions, workers would be much worse off, which is EXACTLY the reason why many of those who blackball unions do that. To weaken the unions so YOU will be worse off.

PanthaGirl said:

Manicures would definitely not be deductible here.

Genesia said:

I hear yah but what if it was a work related expense like it is for me, would it be tax deductible then?

Tremolina said:

Very true unions are by no means perfect but as you say workers would be much worse off without them and shame on those peeps that do go against the system and attempt to strip them of their rights.

MoniGram said:

co sign