What does it mean to be part of a union?

[arreat89]

I just got hired at No Frill's and I have a bunch of sheets to fill out, the manager told me their union based and that they require me to become a member. What does it mean? What's the difference between a regular non union one, and a union one?

[brucemeng]

it means being employed (member) or unemployed (not member)

[GemInite]

basically if you join an employer and their employees are union you are automatically part of the union.

Basically what it means to you is you pay union dues but you may get some benefits in return, it really depends on the collective bargaining agreement your union has with the company.

[arreat89]

basically if you join an employer and their employees are union you are automatically part of the union.

Basically what it means to you is you pay union dues but you may get some benefits in return, it really depends on the collective bargaining agreement your union has with the company.

I have to PAY to freaking work now? WTF? What are these benefits BTW?

Thankfully, I'm quitting by the end of summer.

[alv077]

I have to PAY to freaking work now? WTF? What are these benefits BTW?

Thankfully, I'm quitting by the end of summer.

You guys can strike or w/e.

In all honesty, you don't get much from it at all.

[BornRuff]

Ya, Unions have their good and bad sides. If your only working part time or just for the summer, you probably wont see much bennifit from it. You will probably actually see it as a burden because the union most likely will put priority on people who work there year round.

Generally, you will most likely get paid more than non-union workers doing the same job, and it will be harder for you to get fired. Bad thing is that unions will generally protect people who have worked there for a long time more than they will help you, and seniority rules may make it so that you get last choice of shifts or get pushed aside for the benifit of the full time workers in other ways.

My aunt worked as a contract employee at a unionized office and she said the union was more of a burden than a help to her, but if you ask TTC employees or the people who work on the line at the ford plant that make more than some family doctors and they will tell you that unions are great.

Bottom line though is that you have to pay your dues to work there. If this is your first job you may be surprised by all of the other reason they take money off your check too.

[Wilmega]

Being a union member at No frills will have absolutely no impact on your time working there. In response to the post above who said union members get paid more. True but not at No Frills because you start at minimum wage.

Also i'd say the Union is useless for a place like No Frills for 75% of the employees. Since half of them do not know anything about unions and collective bargaining and their rights.

In terms of seniority, for part timers there is no seniority. And don't worry too much about unions dues. It will only be anywhere from $4-$12/week depending on how many hours you work with a floor of 4 hours.

[pitz]

It basically means that your employer is obliged to take money from your paycheque and give it to a bunch of pieces of **** leeches who call themselves 'union leaders'. In exchange for such extorted money, they owe you nothing in return.

[brucemeng]

back when i was a TA, i started at 26.50 an hour and in 2 years it went up to 30$ an hour... it was automatic, that was a good union

[Ducky]

there are many pros/cons for being part of a union...i'll keep this short.

con - seniority means everything...so no matter how smart or hard working you are...you will still be the first to be laid off when labour force needs to be reduced and you haven't worked there for long.

pro - i'm part of a union and currently laid off...i get to sit at home doing nothing and get paid $45k for a whole year...with benefits.

[Grassgreen]

back when i was a TA, i started at 26.50 an hour and in 2 years it went up to 30$ an hour... it was automatic, that was a good union

Not necessarily a good union, but a good CBA had been negotiated

[miffysc]

there are many pros/cons for being part of a union...i'll keep this short.

con - seniority means everything...so no matter how smart or hard working you are...you will still be the first to be laid off when labour force needs to be reduced and you haven't worked there for long.

pro - i'm part of a union and currently laid off...i get to sit at home doing nothing and get paid $45k for a whole year...with benefits.

that's fantastic!! How long will they pay you??

[Ducky]

i have 3 years of senority....gonna get paid for one year (partial from EI and partial from company)...then i have a second income supplement program that i can get paid for another 40 weeks after the one year has passed...5% less than current...

thanks to my union!

ppl who are in unions never wish that they aren't in one.

that's fantastic!! How long will they pay you??

[ullyeus]

i have 3 years of senority....gonna get paid for one year (partial from EI and partial from company)...then i have a second income supplement program that i can get paid for another 40 weeks after the one year has passed...5% less than current...

thanks to my union!

ppl who are in unions never wish that they aren't in one.

I know several people who are out of work or who have been on strike for months that would disagree...let's try not to deal in absolutes.

[GTA: YYC]

a union membership is basically the worlds most expensive magazine subscription.