jump !VIfloDyEYo started this discussion 15 years ago#738
I just realized that the reason why my hospital pays less than others, and has disproportionate policies on raises and off-shift differentials is because we are one of the only non-union hospitals.
My department is a little scary because whenever there is an error, there is a coordinated effort to blame the section of the lab I work in. I've heard horror stories about other hospital's labs and I think this is actually a stereotype. My department is less educated, and there are some bad appples, but I have caught our "betters" doing similar or worse shit.
The major problem is our supervisor doesn't go to bat for us. Ever. She is always accommodating of whoever wishes to avoid responsibility.
It is a little scary because there have been a few firings lately. They were justified, I suppose, but the circumstances were somewhat suspicious in two of the cases.
What are the cons of unions? Will I be fired if it's found out I'm talking about unions? My co-workers are all gossips and the one in particular is really dumb and loud, so I wouldn't trust her with any info.
How does one go about learning more about unions? I guess just contacting whoever represents the other workers in local hospitals?
sim !Eels32G9Eg joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 16 minutes later[^][v]#14,295
(Citing a deleted or non-existent reply.)
Or put in special re-education camps!
Anonymous D joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 5 minutes later, 21 minutes after the original post[^][v]#14,297
Unions have pros and cons for businesses and employees. I don't know if this is the same in your country but in mine:
Unions prefer hiring more workers to staff working overtime.
Unions prevent bosses from giving good workers unoficial bonuses and time off etc.
Unions may force workers into certain superannuation plans.
Unions have fees.
Unions help organize people into acting when there are safety issues, or pay issues that people might otherwise put up with.
Unions help improve the base rate (this benefits the stupid and lazy workers while holding back the good workers so it depends which one you are. i'm not judging, go for your best interests)
Unions prefer loyalty to an industry to loyalty to a company.
You didn't really give exact details about what happened but unions don't really meddle in office politics.
Most workers aren't willing to strike if lazy, useless workers are sacked.
Union leaders are typically fat and English. Very stupid.
Unions interfere in politics. They give away the money you gave them to political parties.
Anonymous D double-posted this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 23 minutes after the original post[^][v]#14,299
But yes individually people are scared to act and unions are good for safety and pay disputes.
jump !VIfloDyEYo (OP) replied with this 15 years ago, 12 minutes later, 36 minutes after the original post[^][v]#14,303
@14,297 (D)
My area can't get raises minus the hospital wide cost of living increases.
If there are disciplinary actions, I know unions will send a representative.
Unions just became an even bigger political power because of a recent supreme court ruling. So, whatever they gpnna do that anyway.
I just want to get the differential I deserve and have some support if my work goes crazy.
Everyone makes the same after about 2 years of working regardless of how lazy. It might be beneficial, if the increase in wages is greater than the dues. Overtime isn't a big thing for us. It's rrare.
Anonymous D replied with this 15 years ago, 1 hour later, 2 hours after the original post[^][v]#14,361
> My area can't get raises minus the hospital wide cost of living increases.
Idk if it's cause it's late but I can't understand this sentence.
Yes unions will send a representative, but their only bargaining tool is "we will make life hard for you". In my time in the union the only thing I saw like this was one person (who was widely disliked for being fat, lazy, stupid and useless) saved from a sacking only to be sacked a month later.
> I just want to get the differential I deserve and have some support if my work goes crazy.
I don't know what this means... but yeah they don't really do much about managers being dicks... they're always dicks... if you get sacked or you feel they are paying you incorrectly or if there is safety issues at work the union will help immensely. i think typically the workers get together and elect a union rep and sometimes a health and safety rep
overtime was a big thing in my last job led to a lot of dissatisfaction with the unions
peopl wanted to work 12 hour days and get a couple grand a week but that doesn't make the union any money so they oppose it
Anonymous D double-posted this 15 years ago, 25 seconds later, 2 hours after the original post[^][v]#14,362
mm double post mm
(Edited 19 seconds later.)
jump !VIfloDyEYo (OP) replied with this 15 years ago, 1 hour later, 3 hours after the original post[^][v]#14,393
@14,361 (D)
First part means, my specific section of my department does not get raises. The entire hospital will get a cost of living increase every year, but its 2%, which comes out to a token amount.
A differential is what you get in addition to your base pay for working off-shift (second and third shift). The support part is because my supervisor doesn't stick up for us, so if I am ever in a disciplinary hearing (which is very possible because the nursing staff will blatantly lie to doctors to avoid being chewed out. The lies that effect me are common. I get calls from doctors a few times a week that are the result of a willful lie. Usually, the tracking systems in place and careful documentation protect me. I worry when the nursing staff tells the right lie. All it takes is saying a specimen was walked up instead of sent through our pneumatic tube system, which is tracked. It happens, but usually when the delay hasn't been an issue.
It doesn't matter that there isn't any proof, if there isn't any thing that shows I am the one telling the truth, I will be considered the one at fault.
Anonymous D replied with this 15 years ago, 56 minutes later, 4 hours after the original post[^][v]#14,425
@previous (jump !VIfloDyEYo)
Yes I understand completely now. A union definitely helps with pay rises. They sometimes get greedy though (example my work we were offered 16% over 3 years but the union wanted 18%. everyone was happy with 16% but the union wanted to go further. GFC then the company puts out an offer of 6% over 3 years and the union accepts).
If you feel you are not being payed differential a union will help. They know exactly what you should get paid for what work/shift. They also know all the minimum break times etc.
I did not work in an environment like that but it sounds like something the unions would get involved in. In my job there was a lot of worker solidarity vs bosses. everyone would help each other, no one would dob. but still, people didn't really complain when the fat lazy ones got sacked. In your job it sounds different. Union would probably help things.
jump !VIfloDyEYo (OP) replied with this 15 years ago, 42 minutes later, 5 hours after the original post[^][v]#14,453
(Citing a deleted or non-existent reply.)
I just did the same, and it took me a second to realize I didnt click the wrong link.
I love unicorns. They're more than horses.
Anonymous F joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 3 minutes later, 5 hours after the original post[^][v]#14,456
Anyone know a lot about onions?
brie !OudrPWaUDQ joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 17 minutes later, 5 hours after the original post[^][v]#14,472