I’m sure there’s some getting used to it but still.

They got an extra two bucks an hour for two months. Most don't make $15 an hour. Some got a small one time bonus. That $600 was for the people who are unemployed.

Not sure I get used to it, but there is no other way to keep people safe in the hospital. They and we have to be there. So we mask up.

When I go to a store, I am extra diligent in letting the workers know that I appreciate them and their dedication to their work. I thank every one of the workers I encounter on my visits to the store. I have worked their jobs in the past and would never want to do it again so I have empathy for their woes. I also tip heavily when I am getting take out or at some place where they have a tip jar, sometimes as much as 100% because I can.

Essential workers are essential.

to the workers, too. It is more necessary now than ever.

The local I retired from works very hard for it’s members.

Employees in local chains were cut to 29 hours per week. New hires limited to 29 hours. Starting wage, $10.50


Union? "zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz."

I am very happy with my Local. I have always had good representation, any question I asked was answered or dealt with very quickly and I have a good pension that arrives each and every month.

During the onset of the pandemic they worked with the local chains to protect the members as best they could. The Local President stated in a video very clearly that any idea to protect the workers he took to management was adopted right away without question.

Unions are not perfect, but I sure am happy that i worked in a Union shop as opposed to not being in one.

Did the local union insist that the employer cut hours? Or did the employer do that on their own?

There is only so much a union rep, a business agent or even a union president can do.

supermarkets. New Jersey..

Employer cut hours. Union did shit about it.

The average union member didn't want to go on strike then, and I don't think they want to today.
I was a union rep about 15 years ago
A member came up to me during my tenure and told me that if there was a strike, he wouldn't go out. I told him (accurately) not to worry as there was no chance the union would call one.

Calling a strike when the members don't want to isn't a very good idea.

Like I said, I worked for the government. We weren't going out of business regardless of a strike or not. With a store its a different story. Members worry about losing their job permanently if the business closes or if the business loses market share to unaffected businesses. The customers will still eat even if you close down Giant Eagle- they'll go to Walmart or Target or Trader Joes.

I can't fault a union for not calling a strike if they don't think it will go over well or be successful.

Now, if they can't defend their members, what is their purpose?