Young CNA here: help me understand this union thing

[ravenpuff, BSN, RN]

I'm nursing student who just got a job as a CNA in a hospital, and there's a CNA union at this place. I'm not familiar at all with the concept of unions because I've never encountered them at my previous jobs. How is this going to affect me, my salary, etc?

I understand these kinds of topics can stir the political pot, so if answers could be kept as neutral as possible (or at least, kept non-hostile toward any ideology), that would be great.

Thanks! And stay warm if that polar vortex is still throwing the cold your way

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

All unions have a contract. You should receive a copy of it when you start working. You should meet and know your union delegates. They are on your side in understanding the contract.

The contract will talk about your salary, raises, and other rights as a union member.

Best of luck in your endevours!

[ArtClassRN, ADN, RN]

Do some research on the history of unions in the US and some more on healthcare unions. Then let us know what questions you have!

[loriangel14, RN]

A union negotiates the contract that the employer has to abide by. It outlines things like pay, holidays, sick time, working conditions etc.It ensures that you are treated fairly by the employer. It is important to know your contract and how it affects you. If you have an issue with your working conditions or how you are being treated, or if the employer does something that is against the contract, then you report this to your union rep and they will help you.You will pay monthly union dues. Usually this comes out of your pay check automatically.

[Anona-mouse]

And the union bigwigs will use your dues to pay themselves an outrageous salary, go on political junkets, and to donate to their favorite political party whenever the members agree or not. Then when they decide that YOU have to strike, you do so for as long as they decide while receiving a pittance that will not pay your bills, meanwhile they are still collecting their full salaries while you are contemplating bankruptcy because you can't pay your bills.

[toomuchbaloney]

clearly some people do not appreciate how unions have historically improved the lives of the American worker and how the decline of workers is related to the decline in the "middle class" in the country.

[AlliD]

If it weren't for unions there would be no weekends, paid time off, the 8 hour work day, etc. Not to mention fair wages. But hey, who needs'em.

[toomuchbaloney]

It is fashionable to dislike labor unions at this time in our country.

Surely unions are not perfect, but then, neither is capitalism.

[Mindful, RN]

... new member since February ?

[toomuchbaloney]

... new member since February ?

That's me!

Oh, and of course the troll.

[Chisca, RN]

Substitute the word democracy for union and that explains alot. Anti union folks are very similar to anti democracy folks, they hate the idea that the will of the people trumps rule by an oligarchy. Do we do away with our democracy because politicians are corrupt? If you love management and trust that they are looking out for you then by all means don't join a union. But if you want to influence the process become informed and join the union.

[Anona-mouse]

Just because this particular screen name has only been in use since Feb. does not mean that I have not been a member for a few years. I have posted enough information under my "normal" screen name that I could possibly be identified by friends/co-workers/etc. so now I have a new screen name with absolutely no personally identifiable information so I can express opinions and share experiences without being identified.