Am I Being "Exploited"?

[LongislandRN23]

So I have a situation with my current job that I would like some feedback on. So I was interviewed for a position at a nursing home. During the interview I was told that I would be "Per Diem" but working 5 days a week. When I asked if I would be part of the union and receive health coverage I was told yes. Then during orientation (2 weeks) I was told I would be a full time employee and working on the same floor. That did not happen. I am "per diem" working 5 days a week every week since I started which has been about 7 weeks so far. I was told that I will not be part of the union and receive no health insurance/benefits. I am getting paid the same amount of money per hour as the other nurses who are part of the union. so basically my facility is getting 5 days a week of work out of me and they do not have to pay union dues on my behalf therefore saving money. Is this allowed? should I call the union and ask them? Has anyone heard of this being done? Thanks!!

[mazy]

Lots of good advice here. Bottom line is, if you are worried about being exploited by your employer, you need to talk to the union rep. Fortunately you have one. It's a simple conversation, with no repercussions other than the exchange of information, and a lot easier than suffering all the sundry indignities inflicted by an employer that wants to take advantage of you.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

The other bottom line is: you can only be exploited if you let yourself be exploited.

Talk to the union, talk to your employer. Be proactive.

[kat7464]

Bottom line - did you make sure everything promised was in writing? If it wasn't in a contract...well, tough lesson learned. Move on.