That's what's wrong with this country, all these big corporations just want to steal your money and then ship your job to India.

That's your security trust me

I'm. Really. Need. A. Job. Too. Just. Let. Me. Know. Ok. Please

Hi Nancy, All I can say, is that my father was in an entertainment industry union for YEARS and we had a decent house, a pretty good car, enough food and clothing and excellent health care. Of course that was back in the '60's and '70's, when things were more simple and less expensive. You will find that there are definite opinions out there about unions. I have never been a part of one, but I sure benefited from one when I was growing up. It all depends on how badly you want that job, I guess...........

Are They Serious. You Don't Pay for The Union Up Front They Take The Union Dues Out Of Your Pay

Unions exist to protect the employee from employer abuses. You work to make them better and to keep them from becoming corrupt, but they started up for a good reason. I always think of the movie "Norma Rae." Also, Silkwood and North Country. These movies are based on real people and real lives. Corporations are all-powerful. Corporations are about profit and not people. Someone has to look out for the low man or woman on the totem pole.

Unions are generally pretty good for workers that stick with them for a long time. Problem is there are a lot less union jobs than before, so their bargaining power is diminishing. If the unions lose power, then all the money you paid into them might be a waste...

I mentioned your post to my wife. She works for a teacher's Union, negotiating contracts with school districts, handling work grievances, and representing teachers when they make poor choices. She had previously worked for a civil service Union and has also worked on the management side of the table as well. Almost all her 30+ years has involved public employees, not private sector. Anyway...

She said that it's atypical to pay that much up front however it's legal. She also said it's very common practice in building trade Unions as the workers are typically contributing to a fund which provides benefits and partial pay even when there is a shortage of work, often due to a certain seasonality in cold regions.

If coming up with $400 is a challenge, she suggested you speak to your Union rep and try to negotiate a payment plan -- something like $50/week for eight weeks would be reasonable.

One task you will want to do ASAP is to request from your Union rep a copy of the Union's contract with the company, if they have not already given it to you. You are entitled to it -- don't be shy about asking for it. Make sure it's the current contract. I encourage you to read it and pay particular attention to the sections involving this fee and dues -- there may be language there which addresses the up-front payment, what it's used for, when you have to pay it, and if there is an initial grace period before you need to pay the fee and/or dues. If there is a Union orientation or information session for new members, try to attend so you can learn what your Union is... and is not.

I don't know why they kept sending me those messages, please stop,thanks

Hi Nancy, the $400 is probably the first years set up. After that, they will probably deduct only a small amount of money for your union dues. It is a pain but if you need the union, they will be there for you.