Question for Union members or knowledgeable DUers

[Lannes]

Back when I was living in NYC I tried to join a local union but they told me I would have to recruit others at another job site to become a member or be recruited somewhere else but they wouldnt tell me where to look.

I tried to join a national union and the answer was pretty much the same.

My question is,with declining membership and the influence of labor unions waning,wouldnt it make sense to make joining a union easier without those restrictions?

Maybe some are doing that but I havent seen any.If it isnt a good idea what are the drawbacks?

[oasis]

1. What union turned you down?

[evlbstrd]

2. The easiest way to get into a union is to get hired by a union shop.

Sounds like you are approaching them on your own. Then, yeah, they want you to help organize whatever workplace you're in. It's not a restriction. Unions work when workers join together.

[Lannes]

6. Thats what Im saying

Shouldnt it be easier for individuals to join even if they arent trying to work at a specific job site?

[evlbstrd]

10. Organizing at a different site sounds odd.

Maybe it's to protect your job.

[kevsand]

11. It's relatively pointless for a single worker at any given site

to be a union member. The whole point of a union is to use "collective" bargaining to advocate on behalf of all the workers in a workplace.

Having said that, with the way the economy is changing, at some point that may change as well. Don't ask me how it would work, but the thought occurs to me that at some point the concept of a "workplace" may go by the wayside, in which case unions will have to adapt somehow.

[MichiganVote]

3. Never heard of that sort of thing.

[Lannes]

4. I was going to college in NY

This was in the 80s and it was one of the unions that were part of the workforce there.To be honest I cant remember the name of it.But thats what happened.

[oasis]

5. Do you remember what trade it was?

[Lannes]

9. Damn,it was a long time ago

I wish I could,Im not trying to disparage unions.Quite the contrary I think we need to find ways to make them more influential.I do remember that it wasnt one specific trade that was represented.

[oasis]

12. You had a particular skill, right? You were attempting to put that skill

to use. Do you remember the skill?

[Lannes]

16. The jobs I was applying for didnt involve a great deal of skill

or expreience.It was a security job which I had done before.

[noamnety]

7. Yep, that's pretty much how it is

The union negotiates on behalf of the workers as a whole. You can't really walk into your boss's office as an individual, plunk down your union card, and demand a raise.

[Lannes]

15. Thats not what Im saying.Im not that naive.

Its not just for my own benefit.But if I were a member at a place that had no representation I would be better able to recruit new members.Id also be paying dues so its not like I wouldnt be contributing anything.Also they could help place new members at work sites with union representation.

I just believe that we need to streamline the way people join Unions.If my idea is wrong then Id sincerely like to hear suggestions how to make
joining a union more appealing to the average worker.

[DBoon]

8. Providing some benefits to "at large" members would help unions grow

Not every workplace can be organized right now - but workers could still benefit from collective power.

A nice first step (IMHO) would be a prepaid legal plan designed to help workers with employment law issues. You know, when you think your employer is trying something shady, but you'd really like an attorney backing you up.

[evlbstrd]

13. I like that idea.

In my line of work, there is a sort of a union. It's the Graphic Artist's Guild. When you join, you gain access to group health insurance, legal advice and forms, salary schedules, etc. It's especially good for freelancers.

[DBoon]

18. I work as a network security guy

and same thing - I'd love to have an organization that has a legal plan so when I have potential issues I can get some credible support.

Other things I'd love would be access to lower cost training (come on, it can't really cost THAT much to get a technical certification), and maybe a job placement service (I hate private recruiters. The longshoremen had the right idea when they set up a union-run hiring hall).

Technical workers are proud of their work ethic - a good union would build on this ("you work hard at what you do. The union will make sure you are treated with the respect you desrve.")

[kevsand]

19. Most of the so-called "trade" unions still

have the hiring halls. The way they usually work is for the local to sign agreements with various employers, who are usually (but not always) private contractors. Most of the trades are building trades, i.e., in the construction industry. I think that you are right that there are probably other (non-construction) trades that could be organized more or less on this same model.

[evlbstrd]

20. The old loose Guild structure may be the future.

The split within the AFL/CIO this week shows that the One Big Union model is a thing of the past.
Maybe GAG will work for you. This is from their web site:

If you earn over half your income from your graphic work, and agree with the Guild's basic purposes, you're eligible for membership. There is no portfolio review, no other entry requirements. Interested non-artists are welcome as associate members, with all membership privileges except voting rights. Meetings are open to all members, and any member may introduce resolutions.

You'd have to dig into the benefits section, and maybe e-mail the staff with questions about your particular situation, but it couldn't hurt.

http://www.gag.org/join/index.php

[kevsand]

14. In general, I think you're right,

but I'm not sure how well pre-paid employment law would work. Seems like the utilization rate would be so high that even a non-profit business model would require some hefty premiums.

[Lannes]

17. Very Interesting idea

That should be considered.

[dweller]

21. you could check here

http://www.workingamerica.org/home.cfm

non-union membership: http://www.workingamerica.org/wa_splash3.cfm


dp

[Lannes]

22. Thanks!

I visited the AFL-CIO site years ago but I dont remember this being there.Ill have to do some more research.

Its not full union membership,but at least it does more to connect union and non-union workers.Whatever they can do to make the process of joining a union easier and increasing its ranks is great.