The thing that bugs me is that my union dues will go to canidates that I do not support ... and they for some reason dont really stand for the Moral and Ethical Beliefs that were the founding principal of this country. Quite sad but i have a Family to support and I dont really know anyone other than family here in missouri.
So....
Your union dues is also the reason you will make more money.
Sure, there are some non union company's that are willing to pay at or above union scale. But the majority pay @ 50% of union scale.
The bottom line....and all B.S. aside, if you go out to a union job, do the best job you can, keep your mouth shut and don't worry about where your dues money goes.
How can I say this, being a IUOE Local 12 member myself?
No body wants to hear the whining on a job.
There are many things that don't seem right, and many things that you wont agree with. I know it seems wrong, but the more you stir the pot, the more it stinks..... so now, you sit home.
Just worry about yourself, your job and your family.
Those are the only things you can change....
and the only things that really matter.
Like I said above, I an an operating engineer and have paid dues since 1986.
Early on, I learned not to stir the pot.
I went to the wazoo general membership meetings, and did as everyone else did for the first few years.
Then I asked a question at one of these wazoo membership meetings.....
and was quietly escorted outside. Long story.....but I stirred the pot and it stank. I've never been back to a wazoo meeting since.
Now, I dont feel the need to get involved in the politics and such of the Union. I have not the time or energy to waste.
I worry about #1.....Me. Thats all. I pay my dues once a year, get some stickers, pins, and a calender and go about doing my thing.
Working Union is and has been great to me. But you need to remember, your brother operator will be the first one to stab you in the back. Those things happen.....thats the only way some of them can keep a job.
Remember, always look out for # 1....
Some way, some how, I've been blessed when it comes to work.
The reason I have always worked is "Me".
Not the Local. Sure they have found me a few jobs. I've found some of my own jobs. Sure, its a no no..... So what? I look out for #1.
I landed a job 8 years ago with a awesome union co.
I give 110% and then some, and they take care of me... and then some.
They pay me my union wage but anything above and beyond that is their and my business. Not the locals, not anyone else's.
I have built a strong working relationship with the people I work for.
I always look out for their best interest. They do the same for me.
They know that when I came to work for them, it wasn't to make friends.
It was to make money.
And if something goes wrong, they trust my judgment and ability to handle the problem.
So like anything else, unions have pros and cons.
Learn every thing you can.
Learn every day.
Expect the best....dont settle for anything less...
And, always look out for #1!
:cool2
