Today was ratification of the Union Contract day

[tavalon]

My vote was first in the box. As a member of a dwindling number of private sector unions, I stand proud with my union. So proud, in fact, I just signed up to be the union rep on my unit. I've been the one people have come to with contract questions for years, so I think it's just best that we get that ratified too. Plus, hopefully, I will have more structure in how I represent my fellow nurses.

This one was a hard fight but in the end, I believe they got the best contract they could and I'm not keeping my YES vote confidential. I've been explaining to everyone who would listen why, while this is not everything, it's miles and miles better than being a nurse in the south, as I was for almost 15 years. Right to work, my ass off. I still work my ass off, but when I miss getting my break, I get paid double time, which is supposed to limit how often that happens.

I was going to say that I hope I know we got the contract ratified by the time I wake tonight, but they are going to still be voting, so I guess I'll just cool my heels.

[Major Nikon]

1. The current trend in contract negotiations is both sides hire $600 per hour lawyers to battle it out

But what it really boils down to is how strong your union is and how much solidarity you have. The stronger the union is, the more of a threat you are at the bargaining table and the bigger piece of the pie you can grab. People need to understand that if you aren't standing behind your union, you are standing behind management and against your own self interest. There simply is no middle ground as management takes all of that.

[tavalon]

2. Yeah, that's why I want us to be a closed shop

I didn't realize most of the hospitals in the Puget Sound area are. The only people who join our union are idealogues. Because everyone gets the benefits, many choose not to pay the dues. I'm an idealist, a socialist actually, so being in a union is a no brainer for me. And yeah, our bargaining got much better after the union held a dinner and a bunch of really pissed off nurses showed up. Apparently management got wind of it and stopped being butts.

[Major Nikon]

3. There's a name for those who derive a benefit from others and contribute nothing

It's called a parasite.

[tavalon]

4. I agree wholeheartedly, but that argument won't get a single new recruit

I shmooze and appeal to their higher selves and I tried enlightened self interest. A closed shop would be so much easier.

[Major Nikon]

5. Many won't be swayed by arguments regardless of how good they are

For them it's all about self-interest and if they can get everything for free, they will. The most important thing to remember is to never give them anything more than you are required. Make sure they understand they have no voice in any negotiation, period. I assume these people are shift workers. One of the best ways to appeal to them is to negotiate a new shift and/or working hours and make sure no union members can participate in the development of the bargaining proposal. Start changing as many things as you can. Moving peoples' cheese is the best way to get to them. If people start to go to management and bargain directly with them, file unfair labor practice charges. When people who are only concerned about their own self interest figure out they have no voice in their destiny, they will join the union. Back when I was a union steward, I went into a shop where I was the only member and in 2 years I signed up all but one. Many were die-hard anti-union folks and went to being very much pro-union.