The Union Wants to Represent You. But Why?

As with all businesses, profit is a priority for the Union. If a business cannot grow, it will struggle and eventually fail. This is also true for most U.S. unions, which are already struggling to grow and remain profitable. Since the Union mainly receives money from associate’s hard-earned paychecks, growing membership is important.

The only service an employee receives in return from the Union is a union representative who stands between them and management. It’s up to you to decide if this is worth the cost. Remember, the Union representative is working for the interests of the local Union, the national Union, and himself or herself. It’s up to you to decide if having this person represent you is worth the cost.

Here’s What You’ll Give Up:

• Direct communication between you and Luxottica. The Union will have to communicate with Luxottica for you.
• Money from your paycheck. Union members are required to pay dues in states without right-to-work laws. Those dues will be redistributed to cover costs like high Union salaries, Union conventions, Union offices and political donations.
• Your right to negotiate on your own behalf. When a Union comes in, benefits, compensation and working conditions are up for negotiations. No outcome is guaranteed, except paying union dues.
• Your ability to negotiate a flexible schedule. Your working environment may change once a Union comes in – Including your individual ability to work with your manager to ensure the schedule works for you..
• Merit based promotions and increases. Once the Union takes over, promotions and raises could be based on seniority, not your performance.
• Freedom. Unions control members through “bylaws” which can result in disciplinary action by the Union. Bylaws can limit many activities including speaking negatively of the union.