I work in a Prison, so we're state workers, now my fellow employees want a union, it's starting to organize ..

Question

I don't think this is a good idea. Please give any personal experiences with Labor Unions, and specifically experiences with state government and being in a union. Oh by the way, because we're the Department of Corrections we can NOT strike. My husband is convinced this is an excellent idea, please help me convince him otherwise.

Answer 1

If you can not strike what is the reason for being in a union.

Answer 2

I work in a prison and am a state employee.  Unions today don't have as much bargaining power at they used to, but believe me, they get us more than if we were not unionized.  The union makes sure that state wide management keeps its word when it promises its employees something.  The union outlines issues of discipline, and if there is an issue you can request representation.  The union protects you from harassment, undue firing.  The union assist with pay raises and helps to keep the cost of your health insurance down.  The union outlines what your job title is and can make sure your employer does not have you doing out of title work.  The union helps with tuition reimbursement for ongoing education.  The union makes sure that you are safe and that your compensated for working in a hazardous environment.  I could go on and on.  I would not work without a union.  I pay my dues and made sure that I am a member.  People think that joining a union, or utilizing a union, is professional suicide; that is what administration wants you to think.  Stick up for yourself, your doing a civil service position and deserve to be represented by professionals who know about your rights.  I wholeheartedly agree with your husband.

Answer 3

I also work for a state facility.  We have a union but I am not a member and it does not seem to help anyone.

Answer 4

It depends.  If you are a hard worker.... do your job right and will work hard for your money and may even want a promotion in the future.... vote no for a union.  If you are mediocre at best as an employee, would never get a raise unless it was based on time there vote for a union.