Question about union membership and jobs

[pjrose]

Please, let's not turn this controversial - I'm just looking for some info from knowledgeable TUGgers (and we all know that TUGgers are knowledgeable!)

Suppose someone is a member of ABC union, and worked for years on ABC union jobs. The current economic situation has resulted in few if any ABC union jobs available. Said person is offered a job doing DEF for a non-union company, lower pay and no bennies and temporary, but a job nonetheless.

Would doing DEF for a non-union company jeopardize this person's status as an ABC union member, especially given that ABC union doesn't have any jobs available?

 

[ronparise]

I cant say for sure, It probably depends on the union....But I do remember my brother (who is now retired) took a non union job once when the Teamsters were on strike at UPS.

 

[Htoo0]

I agree it may depend upon the union. Can't see why it would matter provided you maintain your membership but there may be cases where it would. Maybe call and ask without giving the exact specifics.

 

[Sandi Bo]

[I'm sorry, but your post falls under the category of a controversial social/political issue, and TUG is not the right place to open that can of worms. - DeniseM Moderator]

 

[NWL]

Please, let's not turn this controversial - I'm just looking for some info from knowledgeable TUGgers (and we all know that TUGgers are knowledgeable!)

Suppose someone is a member of ABC union, and worked for years on ABC union jobs. The current economic situation has resulted in few if any ABC union jobs available. Said person is offered a job doing DEF for a non-union company, lower pay and no bennies and temporary, but a job nonetheless.

Would doing DEF for a non-union company jeopardize this person's status as an ABC union member, especially given that ABC union doesn't have any jobs available?

Are you an active member of ABC union or have you been given an honorable discharge? I do agree that this all depends on the rules of ABC, but if you have been given an honorable discharge, you should be eligible to work for any union.

To be safe, I would not make this public knowledge.

Cheers!

 

[Patri]

It'd be sad to have to pass up a job because of this. There aren't that many jobs floating around out there.

 

[26weeker]

in my union, if you are caught working non-union you would be brought up on charges. possibly losing pension credits, your pension totally, or being thrown out of the union.

 

[bogey21]

in my union, if you are caught working non-union you would be brought up on charges. possibly losing pension credits, your pension totally, or being thrown out of the union.

Wow! I never knew that situations like this existed.

George

 

[ricoba]

Many years ago, (the 1970's) my Dad who is/was a lifelong union dues paying member, took a non-union job to keep food on the table at home. Seattle at the time was in the crapper and there was no construction work, so he had to go out of state.

The local found out and the then business agent said they had lost his proof of membership, even though he had been with the same union and local for years. He was arbitrarily assessed a $500 (a lot of money then) fee to "rejoin" the union. Mysteriously once the union got the money, his membership papers were suddenly found.

Take what you will from this anecdote. But to me it speaks volumes to me.

 

[pjrose]

Thanks, all - it is an acquaintance who is having trouble finding a job - just hoping for some clarification.

I guess the answer is "depends on the union."

 

[PigsDad]

Take what you will from this anecdote. But to me it speaks volumes to me.

"Thugs", it what is says to me...

Kurt

 

[spirits]

[Message deleted. Whether unions are good or bad is a controversial social topic which, according to the BBS Posting Rules, is out of bounds for discussion.] Dave M, BBS Moderator

 

[Dave M]

The OP's question has been answered.

I am closing this thread.