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What are the pros and cons of going a union?
What are the pros and cons of joining a Union? And what are some ways i can take college classes while being in a union? How many classes can i take in community college>
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Ryan’s Answer
Hey Nathan. There are a lot of benefits to joining a union. In the case of my union, our "international" advocates for us at the congressional level, helping get legislation passed in the house and senate that can benefit our members. They also provide services for members, like training and health/wellness services. There are similar things provided at the state level. Within our local itself, we speak to our management with a unified voice and negotiate for policy changes related to workplace safety, and improving pay and benefits.
There are downsides, but many of the downsides occur very infrequently, or are worth the upside. You will have to pay dues, but most are reasonable. Sometimes those dues are used to support political candidates that you don't personally support but the union leadership deemed them "better for workers." Once you're part of a union, you're encouraged to support other unions, which can cost you more money - but it goes to a good cause. Some people have negative views of unions because they think they ask for too much. If your union goes on strike, you may be out of work for awhile, but this is not a common thing, and not all unions strike. Some unions may pressure you into joining or pressure you into staying, but this is a very case-by-case thing and isn't as prevalent as it once was.
I hope this helps. I know unions can seem a little confusing and complicated. If you have any more questions, just let me know.
Ryan
Local Secretary/Treasurer, International Association of Fire Fighters Local 5553.
There are downsides, but many of the downsides occur very infrequently, or are worth the upside. You will have to pay dues, but most are reasonable. Sometimes those dues are used to support political candidates that you don't personally support but the union leadership deemed them "better for workers." Once you're part of a union, you're encouraged to support other unions, which can cost you more money - but it goes to a good cause. Some people have negative views of unions because they think they ask for too much. If your union goes on strike, you may be out of work for awhile, but this is not a common thing, and not all unions strike. Some unions may pressure you into joining or pressure you into staying, but this is a very case-by-case thing and isn't as prevalent as it once was.
I hope this helps. I know unions can seem a little confusing and complicated. If you have any more questions, just let me know.
Ryan
Local Secretary/Treasurer, International Association of Fire Fighters Local 5553.