I was recently hired at Kroger as a part-time Drug/GM Clerk. My orientation date is soon and I'm still unsure if I should join the union or not (I do live in Indiana which is a right to work state) I'm 18, still in high school, this is only my second job at which I am going to make minium wage ($7.25). I don't plan on working at Kroger for a long period of time, as I plan on taking a work-study job at my future college later in the year.
My question is would joining the union benefit me in my specific situation?
For me, it is good for insurance and retirement benefits but I am a lifer or until they throw me out the door.
The general use of the union is to get the workers better pay and settle disputes with management. You see how well they increased your pay above minimum wage! Wait until you see how many hours they don't schedule you. As for disputes, don't do anything stupid that gets you disciplined. Don't steal, don't argue with customers, don't call in sick, don't be tardy, never ever argue with other employees about anything(work, race, news or politics).
If you are a courtesy clerk, do not join. They benefit very little from the union paywise.
I pay $10.44 a week in union dues in Mi. There is also an initiation fee of $100+ that they let you make in payments. You will have to work 2 hours a week just to cover the dues and maybe another 2 hours to cover the initiation fees. Basically, you will be taking home $5 an hour after taxes.
Just say, "No, I am not interested. Thank you." Leave it at that. Don't get talked into it.
Nope, union involvement is usually for those who want a long term career with the company. Not part timers making minimum wage. If your situation ever changes, you can always join later.
So, I thought whether you joined or not you still had to pay? That is why the non-union supporters are called fee-payers. They can still call up the union if they have a problem but good luck getting any actual help from them. I say find out if you have to pay either way first. Because if you have to pay no matter what you may as well join for the added insurance. Plus, the $100 joining fee is refunded when you go to your first meeting. Check on that too to see if it is offered in your area.
So, I thought whether you joined or not you still had to pay? That is why the non-union supporters are called fee-payers. They can still call up the union if they have a problem but good luck getting any actual help from them. I say find out if you have to pay either way first. Because if you have to pay no matter what you may as well join for the added insurance. Plus, the $100 joining fee is refunded when you go to your first meeting. Check on that too to see if it is offered in your area.