[mass55th]

Years ago, I thought about withdrawing my membership from my union. The problem was that with the end of my membership, I would have lost the benefits associated with contractual agreements, ie., free vision care and a free dental plan. These were benefits specifically negotiated between the State and my union. At the time, I had two young children who would have also lost those benefits, so I quickly changed my mind. I'm no fan of unions, but if these firefighters aren't going to pay dues, then they shouldn't be afforded the benefits that the union negotiates for them.

[phil1750]

Couple of years ago, Missouri elected a democRAT govenor. Firts thing he did was force all gov. employees to join the union (that paid over a million $ for his inauguration).

[endthematrix]

" I'm no fan of unions, but if these firefighters aren't going to pay dues, then they shouldn't be afforded the benefits that the union negotiates for them."

The point is you still have to pay non-membership fees to the union. That's the cash the unions funnel to the DNC and to city and corporate officials to gain contracts.

[Tail Gunner John]

The company I work for is a national one. Of the different geographical divisions of this company approximately half are unionized, including mine.

The pension plan, health care and other benefits are identical, unionized or not. The pay scales are very similar with some non union groups making more some less than me.

The only thing the union does is to negotiate the size of my sales territory for me. The union keeps these territories as small as possible to create more positions, more employees, more union dues. Of course I'm working a 40 week. Unfortunately we are commissioned and less hours means substantially less pay for me. If I were able to work 45-50 hours a week I could increase my take home by some 25%. This I would gladly do. The union does represent the slackers and malcontents. In 20 years I have never needed this service nor will I ever.

Due to the seniority of some of these slackers the union cost me over $40,000 in lost wages during my first three years of employment.

My union is localed in Ohio. I work in Kentucky (non right to work) in a closed shop. So I have been screwed by the teamsters from day one until the day I no longer will receive a pension, the day I die.

Oh, for the opportunity to decertify.