this post was submitted on 21 Aug 2024
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Work Reform
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A place to discuss positive changes that can make work more equitable, and to vent about current practices. We are NOT against work; we just want the fruits of our labor to be recognized better.
Our Philosophies:
- All workers must be paid a living wage for their labor.
- Income inequality is the main cause of lower living standards.
- Workers must join together and fight back for what is rightfully theirs.
- We must not be divided and conquered. Workers gain the most when they focus on unifying issues.
Our Goals
- Higher wages for underpaid workers.
- Better worker representation, including but not limited to unions.
- Better and fewer working hours.
- Stimulating a massive wave of worker organizing in the United States and beyond.
- Organizing and supporting political causes and campaigns that put workers first.
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I'm sure the union rep made it sound like you must, but I wonder if you were actually required. The major US grocery chain I worked for, the union shoved themselves down your throat but it was NOT required. It felt to me that their negotiations amounted more to collusion than actually fighting for the workers. I hope they're the weakest union in the history of the world and that they don't all suck as badly.
Why tf would you ever join a union for a minimum wage? What are they even doing for you in that case beside making you actually make less than minimum wage now after you pay your dues.
Things like sick pay, time off, healthcare etc.
My buddy kept a shift a week at the grocery store from his teens to 30s just for the benefits.
Protecting you from management.
A lot of times it is another way to "pay your dues". Once you're "in" the union, you probably get preferential treatment for higher level full time jobs...
I e. The company has to hire union workers first.
It's a grocery store...
It depends on the state. Some states don't have right to work laws, meaning that you can be forced to join a union to work a certain job. Unions are great ideas but some of them really do suck. My ex was sexually harassed repeatedly by her manager at a grocery store and the union reps told her to take a compliment and quit complaining.
Unions are only as good as the workers are willing to work together to make them
The way I remember it (40 years ago) the manager told me joining was required but I could be wrong. It was an awful union. Former employees were suing the union and grocery store chain for how bad they were screwed over
You can't be forced to join a union in right to work states. In all other states you can.
Yeah, that could be the difference - I definitely lived in a right to work state. But they certainly sold it even there as if you must join.