This is NOT Normal !!

[flying-skeleton]

[liberal N proud]

1. Dangerous times

[dixiegrrrrl]

4. Succinct and too true. n/t

[silverweb]

2. I only worked a union job very briefly.

[font color="navy" face="Verdana"]Just for a couple of months in 1975 or 76 before getting laid off right before Christmas. A few friends who currently work ​what could be union jobs now are anti-union because dues are "too much."

While I don't remember what amount I paid during that brief stint at General Motors so long ago, I don't remember it being all that high. Are union dues really very much these days? Would lowering them some attract more members and more support?

[DURHAM D]

5. I heard today that the dues are $14 on $1000.

[silverweb]

8. That's miniscule!

[font color="navy" face="Verdana"]Especially considering the benefits. Maybe it varies from union to union?

I should also mention that two of these people claim multiple deductions they're not entitled to on their W4s to maximize take-home pay, but are constantly in debt to the state and IRS for underpayment - with attendant interest charges. They seem to have their priorities ass-backwards imho.

It just doesn't make sense to me.

[belcffub]

7. mine are 1%

over the last 8 years I've had received about 8% in pay increases... our health insurance costs are up... we lost one weeks pay (forced vacation w/ no pay) and two weeks of deferred pay (we worked two years ago for money we're now just getting back)...

I'm in a public employee union in a very blue state...

our contact expires this year... the other unions that go before us negotiated a similar contract to the last... which means more of the same...

you want to attract members... actually do something...

[silverweb]

9. "Do something" is what unions are for.

[font color="navy" face="Verdana"]It doesn't sound like yours is doing a terrific job.

[Doreen]

3. I am split on unions

The union I worked for did a good job of being in bed with the administration and screwed most of the low level workers ( unions for school employees who are not teachers are a joke ). I have heard of other unions who actually do what they are paid for and stand behind the small person.

[Kingofalldems]

6. GOP hates unions. Does that tell you anything?