28 states in the U.S. actually allow unions to negotiate contractual clauses (called "Union [Income] Security Clauses") that require employees to pay union dues (or "agency fees") as a condition of employment.
(http://www.1-888-no-union.com/aboutunions/payduesorbefired.html)
NO THE FACTS
Unions are a "Business" that represents employees on their job with their employer. A union's primary service is as a labor broker of sorts, charging workers to speak for them on the job, as well as to negotiate contracts. I Virgin America has a union, the union becomes your collective bargaining agent and, as your agent, a union charges you union dues for its services.
#votenototwuatvx
(http://www.1-888-no-union.com/aboutunions/whatisaunion.html)
Take the sum of all flight attendants and calculate per each hourly rate(http://financial-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Weighted+Average)
TWU supporters claim Dues using this calculation would be approximately $28 per month.
Estimated example
100@ $20 -$2000
150@ $25 -$3750
350@ $30 -$10500
250@ $35 -$8750
050@ $36 -$1800
Total $26,800
Total flight attendants
900(current approximate)
$30 per month(actual figure 29.7777)
#votenototwuatvx
KNOW THE FACTS
TWU formed in 1934 representing after expansion transit workers. Their first airline was Pan American World Airways 1945.
They have established a REPUTATION for MILITANCY. If their approach is militant with the company, what are the chances and probability that negotiations would be long? Look at what Allegiant is dealing with, 3 years and counting.
For more info on TWU history(http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transport_Workers_Union_of_America)
WHAT IS IT AND WHAT CAN IT DO FOR ME
Labor unions are legally recognized as representatives of workers in many industries in the United States and the world. Their activity centers on collective bargaining over wages, benefits, and working conditions for their membership, and on representing their members in disputes with management over violations of contract provisions.
Private sector unions are regulated by the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), passed in 1935 and amended since then. The law is overseen by the **National Labor Relations Board** (NLRB).
**(TWU is a 'private' sector - no government involvement http://unionwatch.org/the-differences-between-public-and-private-sector-unions/)**
Unions like other organizations have benefits and challenges. It is important to understand and evaluate both before supporting either side
**(http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2012/04/10/pros-and-cons-joining-labor-union/)**
****DO YOU KNOW WHY YOU ARE MAKING THE CHOICE YOU ARE?****
A LOT HAS CHANGED SINCE VIRGIN AMERICA FIRST BEGAN OPERATION. If WE TAKE INVENTORY WE MAY BE SURPRISED
TWU is a labor union that is Non-Profit organization. It developed a reputation for "Militancy" and for "left wing politics!" (1)It also is a member of the AFL-CIO, a federation of international labor unions. It currently concentrates it's political efforts on lobbying in Washington and the state capitals(2)
Why should we support and have 'militant' representation for us? That doesn't guarantee positive change for our workgroup!
We should invest our hard earned funds to support representations that spend funding for staff to lobby in Washington DC. We should support the TWU who, 'supports candidates who are supportive of the TWU members. TWU is 'required' to contribute to a "Federal" candidate enforced by the Federal Elections Commission.
One would say that a portion of that 30% goes to political lobbying and supporting political candidates. (3)
(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transport_Workers_Union_of_America
(2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AFL%E2%80%93CIO
(3) http://www.twu.org/Legislative/COPE.aspx
Do you really know what you will be negotiating?
What you really want?
Have you listed or taken inventory of what changes have already taken place?
How much time do you think is necesssary to IMPLEMENT these changes?
Will the TWU really make ensure these changes will take place?
Are you making this choice because others have convinced you without facts but on emotions?
This decision has a long term effect. Know why you are making the decision!!
Here is a clear example of how the TWU is trying to have it's cake and ice cream. It also demonstrates some real underhanded and deceptive and manipulative behavior. How can we trust an organization with behavior like this? Will we really know if they are acting in our best interest? Are they capable of being honest with whom they actually support?