We knew this was coming. Out of about 50 guys, half got the jab and half of us were against it. Instead of laying off all of us at the same time, they decided to start with the 3 of us that adamantly said no! The others said they would look into it, which bought them some time I guess. There was also an option to apply for religious or medical exemptions. But then you’d have to wear a mask at all times and get tested weekly. I’ll never put a mask on again unless it’s needed from actual harm. And I’m proud to say I never or ever will get tested for a cold. It’s unfortunate, I made good money there and still have a mortgage and other bills to take care of. I think I’m gonna have to leave NY. I realize the states I’d like to go to are probably non union states so I’m not sure what to do. Could use some suggestions frens.
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I will say, as someone working part time for Lowes, even my bosses admit that I am an extremely hard worker. Only problem is that I am being worked full time hours without the pay or benefits. I plan on going to some of the big guys because I’m just learning that it’s highly illegal. I think the downside to a non-union job is that they’ll try to take advantage of you more, and you’ll have less protections. But you also don’t have the downsides of the Union jobs, which have already been discussed.
An objective observation.
My BIL was in the electrical lineman union his whole life, practically sang their praises and used to scream "rats" out the window every time he drove by non-union crews. His tune changed when he wanted to start his own outift and asked the hall for help. They basically told him he couldn't afford to pay his own workers if he went union and the other union companies would outbid him on the big contracts. He gave up trying to start his own company, but he also stopped screaming at those nasty "rats" just trying to make a living.
I have never personally been involved with union employment issues that did anything to benefit the employee. The employee never got what was promised for the dues they paid and in the end actually took it in the shorts. Unions may have served a purpose at one time, but those days are long gone. A union is only as good as those running it. Most are corrupt as hell and just another arm of the Democrat machine. It doesn't sound like the OP's union did anything to help him in this situation - so they can shove it.
You got a pension healthcare a binding contract grievance procedure Weingarten rights and dignity if that's not worth two hours pay a month your too stupid to breathe
I knew several people that paid their union initiation fees upfront to get a job, plus they had to purchase safely equipment on their own dime - taken out of their wages of course. Once their probation period was over in 90 days, they were dumped and the union kept the fees. Come to find out, it was a revolving door between the union and the company.
Some others working for another company were convinced to go on strike for better benefits. They were told by the fat POS Teamster Union rep that it would only last a couple of weeks. They were on strike for 3 months. Many lost their places to live and were behind on their bills because strike pay was shit. Once or twice a week the fat POS union rep would drive his Cadillac up to the company and tell everyone what a great fricking job they were doing marching with their picket signs. He never once joined them. Yeah, in fact one of the employees busted the fat POS in his Cadillac one day out with someone other than his wife. In the end, they got 10 cents an hour raise and lost benefits - including getting worse medical insurance and losing some holiday pay.
Also know several union employees that had grievances that their union did nothing to help them with, and in fact, the union hung them out to dry. Know of others that were skipped over for good jobs that were given to friends and family members of the hierarchy. The people I knew were given the crap jobs that only lasted 2 weeks, so they ended up at the bottom of the list again. Then, they had to spend the next 6 to 8 weeks on unemployment till their name made it back up to the top of the list just to do it all over again. After several years of that crap they would give up and look for other jobs. They realized they would never get enough hours to have medical insurance for more than a couple of weeks every few months or be able to earn a retirement from the union - unless they wanted to spend the next 70 years trying to get enough hours. So, excuse me if I don't have glowing report about how great unions are. As I said, they are only as good as the people that run them. Some do not live up to the promises.
You guys gotta union up