Many people think that unions are benevolent organizations, like a non-profit community service group or public interest organization, set up to provide help to those in need. This simply isn’t true. Unions are businesses. The way they make money is by convincing folks like you to join them, and to pay a membership fee (called “dues”). Unlike most other businesses, where you usually get what you pay for or can get an exchange or refund if you are not satisfied, unions can only promise to TRY to make changes to the workplace. There are no guarantees.

To understand how unions actually work, you should carefully look over the sections below on Dues, Collective Bargaining, Rules & Regulations and Strikes.