Educate Your Members Regarding Their Contract

What Has The Union Done For Me Today?

Following is a document created by Fred Hill, president of Local Lodge D465, to show his members exactly how many benefits they get through collective bargaining. As he names a benefit, he names the page of the contract that guarantees this benefit for the members. A similar document for your local lodge could be very useful for those members who wonder what the union does for them. When you write it up, you might even be surprised yourself. Union contracts do an awful lot.

By Fred Hill, Local D465 President

I wake up at 6 a.m. to get ready for work at 7:30 (p. 22 of the contract), and put on my uniform (p. 46) and safety shoes (p. 50). On arrival, the safety glasses and ear plugs go on (p. 50).

Some workers have had persistent equipment problems, so I troubleshoot them myself (p.52). I rely on my training (p. 33) to solve the problems, then sit down at the break table (p. 22).

Someone tells some old jokes, reminding me of Dad, who always told really old, stupid jokes. He could have used some as he wasted away. I'm glad I was able to take time off (p.29) to help Mom through that difficult time.

Checking out a printer, I notice that the great weather I enjoyed on my vacation (p. 37) is holding on, and before I know it, it's lunch time (p. 22).

After lunch I go to the utilities room to see if the compressor that had been kicking off is still running. The new deck over the pumps looks good. I shudder to think what would have happened if the old one had remained in place much longer (p. 49). The debris they called a supporting platform could have collapsed at any time.

Thinking about that accident waiting to happen, I remember mishaps that have occurred over the years. Most notable in my mind was the microfill silo. No one suspected there was a danger there. It was fortunate the usual shoveling out of the silo floor was not going on at the time. As other silos age, they require special attention (p. 51), as you see with the structural work being done now.

At afternoon break (p. 22), I overhear someone telling what they will be earning (p.26) now that they were able to win a job bid (p. 6) for the position they had been seeking.

That brings back memories of the jobs I've held -- especially the long stretches of night shifts (p. 23) worked after getting the bids, before I was able to get on days, sometimes by bidding (p. 6) and sometimes through bumping (p. 15) moves.

It took some patience and endurance, but we all knew how it was done if we really wanted to advance. I am thankful that over the years the wages have risen consistently (p. 59). Now even a high school graduate just starting in the job market can get a wage that exceeds most entry level jobs (p. 59) to be found, and can begin enjoying full benefits after only three months (p. 45). That was a long time coming.

Someone stops me wanting to know what to do about a subpoena he just received. He is worried about getting points for going to court. But that was taken care of in the last contract (p. 29). Last week it was someone who pulled jury duty. No lost wages for that (p. 28).

Just before quitting time I run into someone who just got back from an extended recovery from surgery. I'm sure the sick pay (p. 64) and unbroken insurance coverage (p. 43) brought about some peace of mind.

I'm glad I ran into him. He reminded me I have to pick up my wife's X-rays today. The surgeon she is seeing is going to need them for her evaluation for back surgery. By taking one vacation day (p. 39), I can be with her to finally understand what is causing her so much pain.

When the surgery is finally done, it will be nice to walk out of the hospital without worrying about settling a big bill (p. 63) before we check out.

It has been a lot of years and I feel pride in what the union has done for me. Aside from the principal function of any union, as "sole bargaining representative for all hourly associates" (p. 1), a lot of good work has been done by loyal people willing to give their time and effort for the good of all hourly workers.

The next time that question, "What has the union done for me today?" pops into your head, you might ask, "What can I do for the union someday?"