Among Friends

[Chicagosuburbangirl]

Since so many of you left such thoughtful replies to my post "To unionize or not", I just wanted to give an update.

Union vote won 2 to 1.

The people spoke and wanted change.

Please keep fingers crossed that this will be good for myself and my many co-workers.

Thanks for joining in on the question and providing such good information.

Love coming to this forum for all perspectives.

[CalminHeart]

I'm glad the union won.  There are always issues during change but have faith.  In the end, unions are a good thing.

Unions brought us 40 hour work weeks, benefits, vacation time, sick time, safe working conditions, overtime pay, and so much more.  

[QVCkitty1]

👍👍

[Zernia Rose]

CalminTheHeart: Thank you for noting the hard earned benefits, now taken for granted by some, that unions fought valiantly to achieve.  I always remember one clarion call in the early fights in the 1800s, "give us bread and roses."  Union membership allowed so many families to escape poverty, firmly enter the working class or middle class, purchase homes, and educate their children.

[hopi]

Chicago is a city that works and works extremely hard.  It's not easy.

They need to stand together you all are a team.   Congratulations

[Snowpuppy]

I said before that it sounded like you needed to bring a dog to the fight.

Glad you brought The Big Dog.

[kjae]

I am glad that you are pleased with the outcome.  I do want to relate something that happened today at school.  Los Angeles will probably authorize a strike coming in October.  A colleague and I are over 65 and ready to retire probably at the end of this year.  If we go on strike I lose credit for the entire year on retirement benefits.  I need this year. to count  The question was asked by someone else if it affects retirement and the answer was given.. The response from our union rep was-well, you owe the rest of us your support and you just have to do it.  Really?  Will these people help to pay my bills when I am short $ each month?  

[GSPgirl]

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@CalminHeart wrote:

I'm glad the union won.  There are always issues during change but have faith.  In the end, unions are a good thing.

Unions brought us 40 hour work weeks, benefits, vacation time, sick time, safe working conditions, overtime pay, and so much more.  

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It’s also harder to fire a union employee and that’s not good.  

[reiki604]

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@kjae wrote:

I am glad that you are pleased with the outcome.  I do want to relate something that happened today at school.  Los Angeles will probably authorize a strike coming in October.  A colleague and I are over 65 and ready to retire probably at the end of this year.  If we go on strike I lose credit for the entire year on retirement benefits.  I need this year. to count  The question was asked by someone else if it affects retirement and the answer was given.. The response from our union rep was-well, you owe the rest of us your support and you just have to do it.  Really?  Will these people help to pay my bills when I am short $ each month?  

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I was going to pass this post by but I couldn't. You have reaped the benefits of union membership that was hard fought and won by the sacrifices of those you came before you. Working where you do, you have excellent salary and benefits that will carry you into retirement. Yet you begrudge the same opportunity to people who work just as hard as you did for a few extra dollars. Since you are over 65, retire now so you won't be losing anything and leave the space open for someone who might appreciate what they are getting. I am sorry you 'need this year to count'. Unless it means vesting into your retirement package, at your age, the difference will be minimal. If you will be retiring where you will have trouble paying your bills, then stay for longer than one year. Personally I believe that's an exaggeration in an attempt to explain your selfishness to those you work with. It is about the many, not the one. Will you help pay the bills of those who need the money and benefits they will be striking for. I think not.

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[Bird mama]

@Chicagosuburbangirl  I forgot to ask during the initial discussion.  Did the vote make the 'entire shop' union or just a segment.  Back when the union was voted in at the company I worked for, it affected a segment of the overall company.