Before you decide to believe everything the unions are telling you, take the time to speak with some of the employees who are working for facilities that recently voted the union in. You may be just as surprised as they were about just how many important issues the union considers “negotiable”. Before you cast a vote based on verbal promises, ask to see their promises in writing. As you start to hear the excuses flow, consider why you are not receiving a simple “sure, no problem” from the union.
The following will be an ever growing list of “untruths” the unions use to manipulate employees into either voting for them, or worse yet, not voting at all. Why are they less than honest with us? Simple, they stand to make large sums of money from mandatory pre-tax dues and they have always been able to count on employees who don’t “have the time” to investigate their statements.
Untruth
“You only need to vote if you want the union.”
This is absolutely untrue! If you do not vote you have actually helped the union just as much as someone who voted yes (Read The Math). You must voice your opinion by voting.
Untruth
“Your bonuses will not be affected.”
This is negotiable! There is no guarantee you will continue to collect bonuses under the union; there is actually a high probability you will no longer receive your bonuses.
Untruth
“You will receive a 7% increase in pay for the next 2 years.”
The unions can, and probably will, take 3% for “economic improvements” After union dues, this will leave you with less than the 4% you could have received without a union.
Untruth
“Management chooses not to discuss the union or give increases.”
According to the agreement Tenet signed with the unions, management is not allowed to discuss the union or give increases until after the vote. Ask to see a copy of the agreement and read for yourself.
Untruth
“Your schedule will not be affected.”
Are you one of those employees who has been working a set schedule for years? If so, prepare for the high possibility that will change. Unions have historically forced employees to rotate weekend and holidays, regardless of previously agreed upon arrangements. No more “working it out” with your co-workers.
Untruth
“Unions will provide more staff.”
There is a national nurse shortage that the unions can do nothing about. The unions do not have a magical factory full of nurses just waiting for the hospital to become unionized. In reality, the unions frequently have the opposite effect since many quality nurses will not even apply at unionized facilities.
Untruth
“Voting the unions in will make a statement to the hospital and its management.”
Don’t be fooled, the hospital and its management will not have their incomes and careers influenced by the unions, only you will. Any additional costs incurred (i.e. payroll increases to fund union dues) will eventually be passed down to our customers, the patients. Unions are not patient advocates like us, their one and only motivation is to increase their membership and dues. They are not some human rights organization attempting to make the world a better place.
Untruth
“The union will provide me with a pension.”
The unions will not be providing pensions for employees. If you are being told otherwise by a union representative, simply ask for it in writing.
More untruths to come . . .