TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
>Unionizing? Now I'm ignorant when it comes to unions...
Yep, your ignorant. You can not be fired for organizing (as long as it's done during breaks) or joining a union.
>I know I'd be gone if I became part of a union that forced my employer to increase my salary.
If you were terminated for joining a union, you'd have some money coming your way for wrongful termination. An employer could not be forced to increase your salary simply by you joining a union. A union only has power when it has bargained a contract with a particular employer, or representatives of a certain industry. Then both sides are bound to what's been agreed upon. Don't forget that along with that higher salary unions negotiate, comes the expectation that the workers will be more highly qualified, if not the best qualified candidates for the jobs.
Also, you are never required to join a union for a job. Unless of course the union has negotiated a contract to include a closed shop clause. And all that means is that the employer agrees not to hire or employ non-union members.
>We have enough problems convincing employers of our worth without adding the
word "Union" to the perception.
That's why writers have guilds.
To look at it another way, you would expect to earn more if you have a professional certification/degree/higher level of experience for what you do over another who does not. The union provides the professional certification by policing the idustry and making sure only qualified people get the stamp of approval. They bargain for a better deal based on the fact that you"re a better worker.
-Greg
neart - misneach - diongbháilteacht
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Check out SnagIt - The Screen Capture Standard!
Download a free 30-day trial from http://www.techsmith.com/rdr/txt/twr
Find out what all the other tech writers, including Dan, already know!
Order RoboHelp X3 in December and receive $100 mail in rebate, FREE WebHelp
Merge Module and the new RoboPDF - add powerful PDF output functionality
to RoboHelp X3. Order online today at http://www.ehelp.com/techwr-l
---
You are currently subscribed to techwr-l as:
archive -at- raycomm -dot- com
To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-techwr-l-obscured -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com
Send administrative questions to ejray -at- raycomm -dot- com -dot- Visit http://www.raycomm.com/techwhirl/ for more resources and info.
