Here we are in a fight with a giant global corporation, our Members vigilant and ready for the ultimate sacrifice. They know we are in a fight for our existence as corporate America lines up together to destroy our very foundation. Spending millions of dollars against us, but are they the only ones undermining us?  What about the freeloaders who enjoy wage and benefit increases that walk among us and never contribute to our collective strength or sacrifice? They eat from the same table but never add to it. You know them, you work side by side with them; they are the non-members.

Who are these freeloading non-members who hide in our midst?

If you live in a sub division and it has a covenant that states you have to pay dues to use amenities such as a pool, tennis, lake, or clubhouse. These dues pay for maintenance, lifeguards, instructors, improvements, events, etc. You become a member and pay your dues.  However, your neighbor does not, but still uses and benefits from the facilities. In fact, every time you are at the pool so are they. The last time you wanted to play tennis you had to wait behind your neighbor to get on the court.

We can imagine that you would be livid and certainly not tolerate them not paying their fair share.

Well what’s the difference between this situation and the non-member not paying their fair share while receiving all of the benefits the union negotiates and you the union member sacrificed for.

These non-members actually weaken us in bargaining because the company counts them on their side. Now, during our most difficult contract negotiations in decades, these non- members in essence are sending a message to the company that they will accept anything that the company has in store for us. This undermines us at the bargaining table and affects all of the dedicated Union members at CWA.

It’s time to decide if we are going to continue to tolerate the freeloaders among us who continue to weaken our collective unity.  Read the contract, whether it’s Wages, ATS, Scheduling, Holidays, Vacations, Paid Absence, Per Diem, Pensions, Breaks, Safety, Excused Work Days, Healthcare, Disability Insurance, etc- it has been Union Members who have sacrificed and supported their Union to make these gains. The company did not simply hand us these benefits.  Compare your pay, your vacation time, and your hours to those who work in a non-union shop.   As a Union we received what we were prepared to fight for and we have fought long and hard throughout the years. While we sacrifice, no one should be getting a free ride.

It is the responsibility of all Union Members to explain to non-members what we stand for and to remind them of the importance of being a Union member.
 

Stay Strong and Hold the Line.

In unity,

Roy Hegenbart
President
Local 3250