I was recently hired by Kroger in Michigan. I filled out my paperwork on Monday and went for orientation today. When I was filling out the paperwork, I noticed a form that had a header indicating it was a union form, and when I asked if I had to join the union I was told by the person (co-manager I believe) that I should fill out the form and if I didn't want to be a member I could ask for a withdrawal slip later. At first I didn't think about it because I thought maybe that is how it worked (if you didn't want to join you filled out the form and withdrew), but after reading different posts about the union on here I am concerned that I am stuck in the union now.
Let me explain a little further:
I am currently a student at a local public university in Michigan, and this is my first job. I do not want to join the union because I do not agree with the political party they support (I am very politically active and would like to be involved in politics in the future), and I don't want my dues helping to support democratic candidates. As this was my first job (and I need it), I was a little nervous so I may not have objected very strongly and just signed the form thinking that was how it worked (as stated above).
Do I have any recourse to leave the union? I am obviously still in my probationary period, so I am worried about a scenario where I get fired/extra scrutiny due to the fact that I am concerned about this.
1) I didn't think could make you fill out the papers till after your probationary period... But i could be wrong on that..... 2) If Michigan is a right to work state they can't make you join the union anyways...
Right to work only effects contracts ratified/extended after March 28th, 2013 according to local media. As longs as the contract in force at your employer (in MI) was last ratified/extended before that date, the requirements as it relates to membership/nonmember service fees are still valid.
Just in case I wasn't clear, I am concerned that I may have joined the union and am now stuck there. I am not sure what the paper was, I just remember it had UFCW 8xx on the top. I had to check married/single, registered voter, and it had my name and address as well as other things. It was given to me with other papers to sign. Just to clarify.
Just in case I wasn't clear, I am concerned that I may have joined the union and am now stuck there. I am not sure what the paper was, I just remember it had UFCW 8xx on the top. I had to check married/single, registered voter, and it had my name and address as well as other things. It was given to me with other papers to sign. Just to clarify.
In Michigan (at least western and eastern Michigan, aka UFCW 876 and 951), a contract was "ratified" at the end of March, forcing Kroger employees to join the union and pay dues. In other words, you don't have a choice. o
Now, I have heard the contract may still be in the form of a letter of intent, which may or may not be legally binding depending on its wording. In other words, it may be possible to opt out of the union starting June 15 (which when the previous contract expires). That is a matter for a lawyer, however.
You should do what I did and contact the Detroit Department of Labor: (313) 226-6200.
It's possible that if enough people start to complain, they may do something about this current situation. I was brushed off, but, maybe you'll have better luck.
My argument, as you may have seen in the other thread, is that despite a supposed contract, you're not allowed to see the contract. This means you have to take the word of the people who are forcing you to pay dues that such language is indeed in the contract. I believe this is against public policy. You're not allowed to see your own rights, but you're still forced to pay for the upholding of those invisible rights.
Well, I am at one of the Monroe County store that are supposed to be on a different contract than the rest. Even then, i am willing to pay the non-member fee if I have to. I am just worried that I am stuck as a full member until next year. As far as the contract stuff is concerned, I don't feel comfortable getting involved simply because since I am so new I feel like I have too little information or standing on the subject.
Well, I am at one of the Monroe County store that are supposed to be on a different contract than the rest. Even then, i am willing to pay the non-member fee if I have to. I am just worried that I am stuck as a full member until next year. As far as the contract stuff is concerned, I don't feel comfortable getting involved simply because since I am so new I feel like I have too little information or standing on the subject.
Monroe County is part of of UFCW 876 section 1. Included in section 1 are: Wayne, Macomb, St. Clair, Oakland, Livingston, Washtenaw, Lenawee, and Monroe County. Section 2 is Shiawassee, Genesee, Lapeer, Sanilac, Huron, Tuscola, Saginaw, Midland, and Bay counties.
I don't know. I was told we were because we were an old Food Lion (?) store, but the paper did say UFCW 87something, but that's not really the point of my question/thread.
Well if you're in college and have never held a job before then you really have nothing to worry about. Apparently you come from a rich family that are diehard Republicans and anti-union and pro- corporation. You'll never make it past your probation if even your first week. Retail business is entry level low paying work and involves actual physical, monotonous, repetitive labor. You may be expected to take out the garbage, sweep and mop floors, deep clean restrooms, bring in carts when it's raining or hot/muggy outside, take rudeness from unhappy customers, etc.--- basically unrewarding work at a fast pace. Just ask your parents for more allowance so you can concentrate on your B.S. in BS.
Well if you're in college and have never held a job before then you really have nothing to worry about. Apparently you come from a rich family that are diehard Republicans and anti-union and pro- corporation. You'll never make it past your probation if even your first week. Retail business is entry level low paying work and involves actual physical, monotonous, repetitive labor. You may be expected to take out the garbage, sweep and mop floors, deep clean restrooms, bring in carts when it's raining or hot/muggy outside, take rudeness from unhappy customers, etc.--- basically unrewarding work at a fast pace. Just ask your parents for more allowance so you can concentrate on your B.S. in BS.
Wow, really? I actually come from a middle-class working family. We live in the country where I do a lot of manual labor that isn't all that great. I have to cut wood in the winter to keep our gas bill low, i help work on our own vehicles, and I help mow the lawn and do other misc. labor-intensive stuff. I work on the college newspaper and at as computer lab on campus, but this is my first "real" job because I could not find one in high school (I only just completed my freshman year in college). I also work very hard at school to keep a high GPA. I know I've had it easier than many (even if I'm not rich like you think), but I work for what I want. I am a Republican because I prefer smaller government, merit-based reward, and working for what you want. And I respect the opinion of people who disagree with me.
I am offended by, and strongly disagree with, how you characterized myself and my life, but I will not use words I would like to because I will not get into a flame war with another anonymous user.
Well if you're in college and have never held a job before then you really have nothing to worry about. Apparently you come from a rich family that are diehard Republicans and anti-union and pro- corporation. You'll never make it past your probation if even your first week. Retail business is entry level low paying work and involves actual physical, monotonous, repetitive labor. You may be expected to take out the garbage, sweep and mop floors, deep clean restrooms, bring in carts when it's raining or hot/muggy outside, take rudeness from unhappy customers, etc.--- basically unrewarding work at a fast pace. Just ask your parents for more allowance so you can concentrate on your B.S. in BS.
Wow, really? I actually come from a middle-class working family. We live in the country where I do a lot of manual labor that isn't all that great. I have to cut wood in the winter to keep our gas bill low, i help work on our own vehicles, and I help mow the lawn and do other misc. labor-intensive stuff. I work on the college newspaper and at as computer lab on campus, but this is my first "real" job because I could not find one in high school (I only just completed my freshman year in college). I also work very hard at school to keep a high GPA. I know I've had it easier than many (even if I'm not rich like you think), but I work for what I want. I am a Republican because I prefer smaller government, merit-based reward, and working for what you want. And I respect the opinion of people who disagree with me.
I am offended by, and strongly disagree with, how you characterized myself and my life, but I will not use words I would like to because I will not get into a flame war with another anonymous user.
Good for you! I am also a Republican, as is all of my family. We are not rich, either, just fairly self-sufficient. I have been working for 32 years in retail. Many of my family members are military, a very intense job. The previous poster who attacked you is clearly a part of the problem in this country, increasing the divide we feel with their narrow-minded rhetoric. Republican is not only the party of the rich. It is also the party for those who work for a living, and who choose to make others accountable.
To answer your question if you are apart of one of the unions mentioned above you will not be able to opt of of them until the contract is over, sorry.
I don't care if you're a Republican, at least you're involved with politics, which a lot of people don't seem to give a crap about anymore. Most people don't even vote.
However, Republicans aren't the only ones for "people who work". There are many hardworking Democrats out there. There are plenty of nutcases in both parties. :P
About the union dues, hope you get that problem solved. I assumed in right to work states you could just leave the union any time. But i guess not :(
You don't pay dues until after your probation anyway. I suggest quitting.
Not true! I paid dues all through my probation! My initiation fees came out of my first check, so I got about $7.00 and change since it was just CBT's I was doing.
I went to a non-union position and I'm super happy I don't have any dues to pay.
my advice is to go back to that co-manager who shoved the papers in front of you and said "you can opt out later" and tell him your concerns. he isn't in the union and most if not all managers hate the union anyways so he will probably be on your side and give you the info you need to opt out.
I admire you for sticking to your moral grounds.
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I am no longer part of the oppressed, evil workforce of Kroger! Can you say "Hallelujah"
