How much are start-up union fees for a grocery worker in central-southern california?

[the city]

I don't know where the union is or what the number is.

[Count David]

Originally Posted by the city

I don't know where the union is or what the number is.

There'll be somebody in your store who represents them. Ask your manager.

[the city]

Well I came on to this board to avoid asking them.

[Brian]

Why don't you contact the union reps near you?

UFCW | Local Locator Index (http://www.ufcw.org/about_ufcw/how_we_work/local_locator/index.cfm?state=CA - broken link)

[jon1987]

Originally Posted by the city

Do the unions dues come out of my paycheck?

I worked at Kroger in high school adn at the time they took X amount out automatically each week, roughly 25-30 per month. The first couple of checks might take out more, though.

[Shawn_Estrada]

Originally Posted by the city

Well I came on to this board to avoid asking them.

Why would you avoid asking them? They the exact answer. Everyone else here can only give "experience". Each contract is different. Man up and ask. It's not hard.

[steel7]

Im surprised you never questioned where your hard earned money was going to. I believe the unions use the money for lawyers & to bribe politicians. I know public unions do but im not sure about private. Stater bros employees pay about $25.00 a month in union fees & the min starting wage is $8.50 hr (.50 cents above min wage). The unions thank you (or not) for your contribution. The ca public union fees are increasing $30.00 to $60.00 month starting 7/1. They claim they havent had a fee increase in 10 yrs so its time they did. The union members get 12 sick days per yr (can be carried over to the following yr), free medical, paid personel days, excellent salaries, benefits & pensions. The prison guards receive 8 weeks paid vacation annually + outstanding benefits. Not bad for guarding criminals.

[Count David]

Originally Posted by steel7

Im surprised you never questioned where your hard earned money was going to. I believe the unions use the money for lawyers & to bribe politicians. I know public unions do but im not sure about private. Stater bros employees pay about $25.00 a month in union fees & the min starting wage is $8.50 hr (.50 cents above min wage). The unions thank you (or not) for your contribution.

I worked for Albertson's from June-December 2004, in Ridgecrest.

At the time, it was the only job I could find, so I felt lucky to have it. I didn't want to get fired, ruffle any feathers, or jeopardize possible promotions by questioning the managers (apparently I was a wuss back then). They treated me in a manner where they acted like they were doing me a favor by employing me.

I started out at $6.75/hr as a courtesy clerk, after four months it went up to $6.90/hr and I got "promoted" to picking up cardboard boxes and making bales out of them. I got the "coveted" 4am-1pm shift.

I paid union dues and never got any benefits (health care, etc) from them. Apparently I didn't "qualify" yet. But they were sure willing to take my money from me.

I found a better job, worked the two jobs for awhile, but Albertson's started to prove to be a fruitless endeavor (in comparison to my other job). I lined up my two-week notice to make my last day the day before Christmas Eve. They begged me to stay through the holidays but I declined.

If I'm ever in a situation where I'd need to work in that industry again, I'd go flip burgers or sell fruit by the off-ramp instead.