Union Hitchhikers

We have Employees that choose not to pay dues. They give weak excuses as to why they are not paying dues.  You do not have to participate in the business of the local, but by paying your dues you help us all to fight for the rights, protection and benefits that we are all receiving.  These non dues payers are relying on the welfare of others to protect their wages, benefits, and conditions of employment.  These selfish individuals are hurting themselves and the remainder of us who pay our dues. Dues are used to bargain contracts, to arbitrate grievances, to administer the affairs of the local, and to train officers and stewards. Dues are not used for contributions to political candidates.

Encourage those who are not signed to join.  We need everyone's help to fight to maintain our benefits.  Educate them on what their wages and benefits will become if they do not stand up to Corporate Greed.  We see what the company has done to those without representation.  Ask these individuals if they would volunteer to take a pay cut, to take the next surplus package, to give their pension back to the company.  Remind them that without their strength we ALL lose.

Here is a written passage that will put things in perspective:

UNION HITCHIKER - Author Unknown

Have you ever driven down the road and run upon a hitchhiker?

Most of the time, their thumb is giving a clear message:

“If you furnish the car, the gas, the time and do the driving, I’ll ride with you.  But if you think I’m going to pitch in for gas, you’re out of your mind.  By the way, if you have an accident and I’m hurt, I’ll sue you for all you got”.

We have hitchhikers in our Union too.  In one way or another they’re saying:  “If you supply the protection of a contract, negotiate that contract, protect me at work, get me fair and decent wages, health benefits, and hours of work, I’ll ride.  But you’re crazy if you think I’m going to get involved and help you make this a better place to work.  And by the way, if anything happens that irritates me, you’ll hear from me”.

Think about it – Are you just thumbing a free ride? Or can you do a little more to help us all ?