Pressure to join union

caliotter3 · Jan 7, 2008

The steward and other members of the union will know that you are not a member. It need not become a problem on the job if you do not let it become a problem. Just like political affiliation and voting, you can always say that you are not one to get into long discussions about the union as you consider your views (or nonviews) to be personal at this time. Tell anyone who asks that you are now preoccupied with learning your new duties and leave it at that.

FireStarterRN, BSN, RN · Jan 7, 2008

I'm pretty sure that the steward will know who is or is not a member. Theoretically there should be no pressure tactics, but unfortunately some people in unions do practise intimidation tactics, or will socially ostrasize those who don't want to join. On the other hand, the union might be a neccessary thing where you work to protect the employees from unscrupulous management tactics.

OC_An Khe · Jan 7, 2008

When you are asked , or pressured to use your term, to join the union ask for a copy of the union contract. Read it. Whether you are a union member or not you get the benefits of the contract and the union will have to represent you in contract issues.

What type of shop is your place of work. It can either be a union shop where membership is mandatory, an agency shop where you don't have to join the union but must still pay dues at some level and an open shop where membership is voluntary. All this should be spelled out in the contract. It also should of been made known to you by HR during the hiring/orientation process.

TazziRN, RN · Jan 7, 2008

Yes, they will know. All you have to tell them is what you've said here, that you need time to think about it but you don't have that time right now.

Personally, if I were given the choice and it was a strong union, I would join.

Quickbeam, BSN, RN · Jan 7, 2008

All the replies have been good ones here. You might want to check if your union has a "fair share" clause where you can pay the costs of representing you without buying into the political action of the union. Often they don't make a big deal about it and you have to ask. I'm very politically different than my union and being "fair share" gets me a check back for about 200$ a year.

5toedragon · Jan 10, 2008

Join The Union As Soon As Possible. Nurses Have Little To No Leverage Even With The Shortage. The Unions May Be The Only Way To Get Support When The S--t Hits The Nurses. The Union Needs Nurses For Strength . The Nurses Need The Unions To Begin To Control Those Major Things Like, Staffing, Nurse Patient Ratios, Forced Overtime. Strong Unions Can Push For Laws To Force Hospitals To Do The Right Thing.get Involved!!!!

allnurses Guide · Jan 10, 2008

Take your time. Don't let anyone force you into anything.

I agree that you need clarification from HR about what kind of union agreement there is.

Pressure would make me back completely off - the union would definitely lose me.

My politics differ greatly from most unions so I too would look for a way to opt out.

Good luck and stand up for yourself right from the beginning and don't let anyone pressure you. It is unprofessional.

steph

holdensjane · Jan 14, 2008

how much does the union take out of your paycheck? no one can tell me exactly. All I get are "it depends on your paycheck". Another union I was apart of would take 2% of my paycheck but I don't know how it work here in CA. Is there only one union for nurses? sorry i don't know anything. i told them i didn't have a copy of the contract and they said 'don't worry you'll get one after you apply" so basically all i have is an app to fill out.

menetopali · Apr 30, 2008

sounds like the union wants to pressure you to join without giving you all the facts...

it could be benign high pressure sales tactics (like a time-share sales pitch) or more sinister (like 'an offer you can't refuse'). either way i would think long and hard about whether you want to work in such an unprofessional environment or pay any extortion fees ["dues"] to such a group. if they were truly in it for the worker then they should have no qualms about showing you the contract, disclosing what extortion fees ["dues"] were spent on, and what benefits they can offer to you. not sure if it would do any good but you can file a complaint with the facility and the feds against the union for harassment.

allnurses Guide · May 12, 2008

There are several unions representing nurses in California.

Ask the person who tried to sign you up for a copy of the contract

Ask to go to a meeting or for a "Welcome" brochure.

Ask as many questions as you need so you can make your own chioce.

If it is a "union shop" you may have to join or pay "Fair Share" but they need to give you the information you need.

If you don't think the nurse on your unit is telling you what you need to know get the number of a union employee.

If that person doesn't respond that says a lot,

CHATSDALE · May 12, 2008

it probably wouldn't be considered harassment if it is an individual nurse who asks you w/o a threat implied, if it is a steward or if there is undue pressure then it would be a different story

most unions will talk to you if you are fired/disciplined to advise you of your rights but i don't know how much help they will give as for attorney fees, court costs etc

i do believe that unions are the only hope for a nurses to present a unifed front and i hope that we can all stand together to improve working conditions and promote patient safety