I'm completely irritated at my Union right now

[skygazer]

I'm scheduled for surgery (arthro on my knee) for this Thursday - I've been calling the Union for a week now trying to get the paperwork I'll need to file so I can receive disability pay. Every time I call and ask for Benefits, I'm told there's "one call ahead of you" and put on hold. Where I stay for the next 10 to 15 minutes until I get sick of waiting and hang up.

The irony is that my Union is in the service industry - if I provided service like that, I wouldn't have a job! Which I told them in the nasty email I just sent them. :nuke:

God, I hate businesses that don't answer the fucking phone! Why even have one?

[Deja Q]

1. As with big service corporations, the union gets special subsidies...

They don't need much from those requesting service. Only an appearance and pamphlets featuring pictures of happy people. They can be as lazy or useless as they want; as long as you have a job there you're giving them free money.

Unions are a necessary evil, as a relative of mine might say.

Unions are necessary, though as much as the individuals who pay into it can do, it's up to the union's leaders to do the most to keep peoples' confidence in it high.

[evlbstrd]

2. So,

how's the hanging up thing working for ya?

[skygazer]

3. Got any better suggestions?

I don't know about you but I flatly refuse to hold a telephone to my ear, listening to bland muzak for longer than 15 minutes.

I sent them an email telling them exactly what I felt about their telephone etiquette (nothing new - they're notorious for being tough to contact). The next time I try, I plan on telling whoever initially answers that I want to talk to Benefits NOW and will not wait on hold and explain why.

[evlbstrd]

4. Do you want that benefit?

Stay on the phone. I'm sorry they're keeping you on hold for so long. Choose your poison. Life isn't fair.

[JVS]

5. Visit in person, talk to your steward, or call again and keep the phone next to you...

as you read/do housework/ whatever until you hear a person at the other end.

[skygazer]

6. Yeah, I know

I'm just venting. I'm efficient and courteous in my job and it always irritates me when others aren't. I'll get in touch with them - I always do. I'm just bitching. :)