For all those who are waving the union banner instead of just looking at what's being asked: ask the union state workers here in NYS how safe their union jobs are. Ask the union which Paterson broke and now the workers of said union have no security whatsoever, thanks to the higher ups in the union. Or how 'bout all the union bosses who walk away with the nice money, but the union workers are left out in the cold when Penn Traffic, the parent company of a grocery store chain here in NY, closes up in about another month and watch everything the union was supposed to protect disappear on 'em. Why wasn't healthcare backed up by union dues all these years? In the long run, what did those dues get 'em? Except for paid vacations and periodic raises? Oh, and higher dues after every contract? Especially for part time workers. Why does the union pension fund for the workers at Penn Traffic say it took close $5M administration fees for the fiscal year with absolutely no details as to what that $5M covered other than the broad term "administration fees?" Where's the accountibility for that money? Or ask the 35 postal workers who just got the pink slip here in Elmira. Sorry, but the idea of "management crushing the unions," with no responsibility on the unions' part, irritates me. There's plenty of blame to go around. That being said, how secure exactly is a union job? So put away your "union forever" banners. I'm sure I'll be shouted down by all the good union members, here. But considering I have four in the family (including my wife) and have experience with what the union has given 'em, shout away.
So to your original question...how secure is that union job? Are you as high as you can go? Can going company take you higher? Lot's more to weigh than just the idea of "union" or "not union" as some would have you believe. Will the experience of going company get you a job if something does go south? You said it yourself, you don't want to be doing what your doing for another 40 years. Will you be able to take that experience you can gain and move on to something higher paying and more secure down the road? Will this be able to help you open your own shop one of these days if you care to? Will you be happy in another five years if you pass this up and stay right where you're at and be able to look back with no regrets?
Ultimately the decision lies with you. Please, don't let the slogans sway you. Do what you feel is best for you and your family and know that it will be the best move you can make at this time. Talk to your family; they have a lot more riding on this than we do.
