before you decide to believe everything the unions are telling you, take the time to speak with some of the employees who are working for facilities that recently voted the union in.
you may be just as surprised as they were about just how many important issues the union considers "negotiable".
before you cast a vote based on verbal promises, ask to see their promises in writing. as you start to hear the excuses flow, consider why you are not receiving a simple "sure, no problem" from the union.
the following will be an ever growing list of "untruths" the unions use to manipulate employees into voting for them, or worse yet, not voting at all.
why are they less than honest with us? simple, they stand to make large sums of money from mandatory pre-tax dues (read the math). they have always been able to count on employees who don't "have the time" to investigate their statements.
untruth
"you will have a voice"
this is absolutely false! under a union contract and as defined by nlrb rules, you will not be able to directly discuss with anyone in administration or management staff anything that relates to hours (schedules, overtime, call-ins, etc.) and terms and conditions of employment. to do so, you must go through your "shop steward" or union representative who after the union wins will have sole possession of your voice. under a union contract, you must follow the written agreement to the letter without much recourse.
untruth
"you only need to vote if you want the union."
this is absolutely untrue! if you do not vote you have actually helped the union just as much as someone who voted yes (read the math). you must voice your opinion by voting.
untruth
"your bonuses will not be affected."
this is negotiable! there is no guarantee you will continue to collect bonuses under the union; there is actually a high probability you will no longer receive your bonuses.
untruth
"you will receive a 7% increase in pay for the
next 2 years."
the unions can, and probably will, take 3% for "economic improvements" after union dues, this will leave you with less than the 4% you could have received without a union.
untruth
"your schedule will not be affected."
are you one of those employees who has been working a set schedule for years? if so, prepare for the high possibility that will change. unions have historically forced employees to rotate weekend and holidays, regardless of previously agreed upon arrangements. no more "working it out" with your co-workers.
untruth
"unions will provide more staff."
there is a national nurse shortage that the unions can do nothing about. the unions do not have a magical factory full of nurses just waiting for the hospital to become unionized. in reality, the unions frequently have the opposite effect since many quality nurses will not even apply at unionized facilities.
untruth
"voting the unions in will make a statement to the hospital and its management."
don't be fooled, the hospital and its management will not have their incomes and careers influenced by the unions, only you will (read the math).. any additional costs incurred (i.e. payroll increases to fund union dues) will eventually be passed down to our customers, the patients.
untruth
"the union will provide me with a pension."
the unions will not be providing pensions for employees. their one and only motivation is to increase their membership and dues (read the math).. they are not some human rights organization attempting to make the world a better place.
