Join union. Pay dues. Or termination.

U.S.A. Massachusetts

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I'm being led to believe that I have no choice but to join my workplace union. True or false?

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

That's how it works where I am. If you apply for a job in a unionized workplace you join the union. Is this a new position?

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It is a unionized workplace. Not sure about the question, "is this a new position?" I'm at a new facility. New employee. And my knowledge is very limited on understanding unions. And side note, the dues totalling for the year just seem so high.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Did you know it was a union position?

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I did not. I learned this during my orientation. So the news is recent.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

I don't think that there is anything you can do about it.

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Ok. No problem. Was just curious as to whether or not this was true information. Just never heard of not having an option or choice. Well thank you for your time and answering my question.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Join the Union....they offer protection.

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Specializes in Pedi.
I did not. I learned this during my orientation. So the news is recent.

How did you not know? Did you sign a contract?

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A rep came and spoke with us during the orientation. And this is when everything was explained. And when I learned of this "union." I'm new to all this. Perhaps it could of been failure on my part for not fully researching the Hospital prior to applying. Anyhow, I have no issues in joining but just wanted clarification if this was legal.

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Specializes in Pedi.

Yes, it is legal. Massachusetts is not a "right-to-work" state. The MNA has a list on its website of all of its bargaining units. The job posting likely included something about the union in it- every job posting I've seen for the big union hospitals in the city (BMC, Tufts, BWH, DFCI) does.

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

The union is presumably getting you pay and benefits you would not otherwise have. It's only fair then that you pay your fair share for the benefits received.

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