I've not posted in a while and don't look at threads where people bash, bully, troll, etc. However, something got into me this morning, so here I go.
What a silly idea.
Aside from employee/contractor discussion which has been hashed to death [MS is contract status], a union would mean that elected representatives would bargain with MS companies for a "fair and reasonable" salary for work performed, plus benefits.
So let's break this down.
1) Elected representatives. There's almost no way to select a good union rep in this business. Online elections? With the thousands of MSers around and considering the geography, I would likely never meet my union rep and thus would have no way to make an informed and good decision. Online polls and profiles can be so abused and faked it's not worth it.
2) Bargain with MS companies. There are so many MS companies that it would be impossible to negotiate with them either as a whole or one by one. Even if you negotiated with one or two, to get a similar deal with other companies is inconceivable.
3) Fair and reasonable salary for work. I say, get your hands off my earnings! I'm averaging $23 / shop. Your union would likely reduce that by taking away bonus money. How would this impact my $60 show home shop? Or my 10 minute, $14 convenience store shop? Get your ideas of "fairness" off of my earnings. Also, how would this work across borders? We have higher taxes and cost of living in Canada? What about regionally?
4) Union dues & union salaries. Who pays for union reps? No thanks. They won't do this insane work for free. Come out of my pocket? No way.
5) PITA; I've worked for as a unionized employee, as a contract employee and as a full time paid employee. The unionized work was by far the worst in all aspects, including salary.
6) Enforcement. I won't join your union. Does that mean I can't MS any more?
So logistically, the thought of unionizing is not feasible. If you don't like the pay of MS, make a change that will benefit you. Don't try to force change that doesn't work.
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Mike T
Looking for shops in Western Canada
"Life is good because the alternative is forever "