INCIDENT Breaking Down the Barrier Yesterday, Angelica Angulo was offered a job
ID: 448161 • Letter: I
Question
INCIDENT
Breaking Down the Barrier
Yesterday, Angelica Angulo was offered a job as a waitress with GEM Hotel Corporation, located in Las Vegas, Nevada. She had recently graduated from high school in Milford, a small town in New Mexico. Because Angelica had no college aspirations upon graduation, she had moved to Las Vegas to look for a job.
Angelica’s immediate supervisor spent only a short time with her before turning her over to Laurie Rader, an experienced waitress, from training. After they had talked for a short-time, LAURIE ASKED, “Have you given any thought to joining our union? You’ll like all of our members.”
Angelica had not considered this. Moreover, she had never associated with union members, and her parents had never been members either. At Milford High, her teacher had never talk about unions. The fact that this union operated as an open shop meant nothing to her. Angelica replied, “I don’t know, maybe. Maybe not.”
The day progressed much the same way, with several people asking Angelica the same question. They were all friendly, but there seemed to be a barrier that separated Angelica from the other workers. One worker looked Angelica right in the eyes and said, “You’re going to join, aren’t you?” Angelica still did not know, but she was beginning to lean in that direction.
After the end of her shift, Angelica went to the washroom. Just as she entered, Stephanie Clements, the union Steward also walked in. after they exchanged greetings, Stephanie said, “ I hear that you’re not sure about joining our union. You ad everyone else, reap the benefits of the work we’ve done in the past. It doesn’t seem fair for you to be rewarded for what others have done. Tell you what, why don’t you join us down at the union hall tonight? We’ll discuss it more then.”
Angelica nodded yes and finished cleaning up. “That might be fun,” she thought.
Questions
1. Why does Angelica have the option of joining or not joining the union? Hint: Nevada is a right-to-work state.
2. What are the pros and cons regarding Angelica joining the union?
3. How are the other workers likely to react toward Angelica if she chooses not to join? Discuss.
Explanation / Answer
1.00 The state of Nevada is a right to work state. No person shall be denied the opportunity to obtain or retain employment because of nonmembership in a ;about organization, or shall the state, pr any subdivision thereof or any corporation, individual or association of any kind enter into any agreement, written or oral, which excludes any person from employment of continuation of employment because of nonmembership in a labor organization 2.00 The pros: Strength in numbers and in a strong union, you still get paid when you strike...you pay into a strike fund when you are working in the even it happens, and this also carries through you health insurance and other benefits as well. There is strength in bargaining collectively. Therefore, if what Angelica want is higher wages, better benefits, she have a better chance in a Union, and if what she seeks is fairness from an employer, she have a better chance in a Union If you are mistreated, and you have followed company policy, a good union will conduct a full investigation to find out why and reinstate you if you lose your job without cause. The cons: Not all unions are created equal and some are extremely corrupt. If an industry has a weak union, it may not be worth joining. If she is a Standout in her field, she will not stand out in a union, because others will be considered the same as she and get the same wages/benefits. Effectively, she will be helping those less capable. 3.00 Many of them would probabaly be upset , for they see strengths in numbers. Alos ANGELICA ,even if she does not join , will receive the same benefits as those who do.Union members have threatened nonmembers whith physical violence and sometimes carried out other threats.