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TakenOverByBots t1_j298scl wrote

Reply to comment by [deleted] in Top state officials, including governor, set to receive a 20 percent pay hike, the largest in years by SomethingDrastic

Yes, as much as I'm pro union, some people don't get how unions can actually make for worse pay. I can't go ask my boss for a raise. A three year contract is a three year contract.

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James1995MREinfo t1_j29lx1g wrote

In Massachusetts public sector unions are nerfed because it’s illegal to strike.

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TakenOverByBots t1_j29pxhh wrote

Yes thank you! People don't realize this. If you don't understand public sector unions, then don't downvote me. And btw, I have never missed a union dues payment.

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freedraw t1_j2aee91 wrote

Malden and Haverhill teachers and paraprofessionals still did it this year though.

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diplodonculus t1_j29agds wrote

Doesn't that just mean the negotiations on the next 3 year contract should result in significantly higher pay? The union will have significant bargaining power.

Plenty of non-union people are being told to pound sand. They have basically no bargaining power.

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[deleted] t1_j29fu9q wrote

You would think that’s the case. But our last three year contract had 3% per year. Inflation is higher and we are getting less. Working for the state is always portrayed as some some cushy job where you get great pay. I keep waiting for the cushy benefits to start, I’ve been here 6 years, I would appreciate if they could start now.

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diplodonculus t1_j29gbal wrote

So you're telling me that they negotiated 3% inflation raises when inflation was less than 2%?

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[deleted] t1_j29n7cb wrote

I just realized that you thought I meant “inflation raises”. It’s just raises, as in 3% total. And I’m pro union FYI, I just think they are doing a shit job.

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[deleted] t1_j29gkr6 wrote

[deleted]

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Cameron_james t1_j29j05x wrote

I don't know where the "inflation raises" concept seeped into the public's mind. The raises are raises. They are typically 2-4% regardless of whatever else is going on in the world. The MTA is trying to smash up to 5%-6% a year raises, but every town is pushing back. This is why there have been some strikes lately and I predict there will be more. Towns aren't going to pony up 5-6% per year.

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Boomstick101 t1_j29g74s wrote

Yeah. State employee we only retroactively negotiated the three year contract. We’ve got negotiate slated for this year.

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Jackamalio626 t1_j29a1z5 wrote

Yeah, my union at Shaws fucking sucked. They gave us the bare minimum for raises and locked us out of self bargaining.

Unions are necessary but bad unions do exist.

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neonboom t1_j29k4aa wrote

Imagine what you’d get if you had a police union working for you.

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Jackamalio626 t1_j29lsnf wrote

not a whole lot, i'd imagine. See, i dont beat my wife or racially profile and assault people.

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snoogins355 t1_j2a4fw2 wrote

Had a similar situation when I worked at stop and shop at 14. $10 of every paycheck (~$100 for weekend work).

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TakenOverByBots t1_j29ro69 wrote

Whoever keeps downvoting me, please take a look at what educator unions are going through right now. It's horrible. If you don't know, I suggest following MTA. No, we can't "just demand more" and get it. I don't know if these comments are anti union sentiment from those who refuse to believe how little power unions have when there is a no strike clause.

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NoMoLerking t1_j2albp6 wrote

Why are you booin’ him? He’s right.

When I was younger I worked at Filenes very briefly. I had to pay a union initiation fee and weekly dues. In exchange I got minimum wage and no (zero) benefits. Not even a sick day. Useless.

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TakenOverByBots t1_j2b2ul1 wrote

Can someone please explain why you're downvoting me? All I want to know is if this is the anti union people or if it's the pro union people who are willfully misinterpreting what I'm saying, when I think it's pretty clear that I've said that public unions need to have more negotiating power or we are never going to get anything.

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