re: Is joining a union the way to go?

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why would i join a group that prevents me from advancing and making well more than "union wages" ?

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FWIW, all unions aren't like that. The company I work for has "represented" and "non-represented" employees. Almost all hourly employees are "represented", whether they join the union or not. The ones who don't pay union dues are still represented by the union but are frowned upon by union members. Our advancement in the company is merit-based, not seniority-based. The union COULD be a good thing if used for its true intentions. Our hourly employees know they will get raises every year because the union has bargained for them. They know that their benefits and pensions won't be cut. They know that they won't be laid off in favor of cheaper contract labor. The problem comes when lazy, shite stirring employees pull the union card for every little issue. We have plenty of those frickers here but for the most part, our union is a good thing.