Glad to pay my union dues!

[RoccoRyg]

A while ago, I was trolling around Free Republic, because I like reading what the freaks are talking about. On an article about union "thuggery," one of the flock criticized the policy of making union members pay dues. He said, paraphrased, "That's 60 dollars a month. If I have to choose between forking that over to the union or using it for groceries and the electric bill, I'm going with my needs."

Being a proud member of AFSCME, I'm glad to pay my union dues and would do so even if (God forbid) Illinois became a right-to-work-for-less state. That $60 a month goes to something just as important as groceries or electricity: protection. My union protects its members from the schemes of the billionaire banksters and privatizers who want to destroy the middle class and make the 99% completely dependent on their corporations.

I've heard right-wingers criticize unions for "not producing anything," but the fact is, they produce protection. Conservatives don't seem to consider that since they can't hold it in their hands and sell it, but I value the protection I buy from AFSCME and know that without it, I'd be making a lot less for groceries and utilities.

I'm a proud union member, and I'm glad to pay my dues. Happy Labor Day!

[orpupilofnature57]

1. That is just what it is Protection money ,and I also proudly pay the CSEA your

Brother or Sister Union, either good for me .

[angstlessk]

2. It has been awhile since I did the bookkeeping for a union company...but

most of the dues are for the retirement fund..which the employer matches...if I am not mistaken...I forgot what the other two categories were for???

[blueknight]

3. i paid until

i retired, and damn glad i did. im a life time member of the brotherhood of locomotive engineers

[Soundman]

4. Should be renamed SCAMME

Worst union ever conceived. This is coming from a former president (council 8). Week as water, no representation, just want your dues.

[mick063]

5. Important funding.

It is the lack of union representation on K street that got us where we are. Over the past half century, an important political voice has been effectively removed. Passed legislation hardly ever favors the working man anymore.

Corporations find it worthwhile to employ lobbyists. Workers that complain they are not being equally represented should probably attempt to unionize to have a voice in Washington as well.

I pay weekly to the United Steelworkers.

[safeinOhio]

6. I've been retired for almost 12 years and still

pay dues, even though I'm not required to. The UAW gave me a good life for the 30 I worked and the 12 I've been retired.