Recruits in the Union?

[Kobersteen]

I have a question that has been circulating around several departments that I have worked for.

Should recruits (in the academy) be offered a chance to join the union?
If no, when?
If yes, when (beginning, middle, end of academy)?

Thanks...

[Resq1scnd2none]

While I am not in/on a union. I would think recruits would need to wait until they are on? Meaning, they have been assigned. And maybe even through their probation period?

[FFFRED]

I have a question that has been circulating around several departments that I have worked for.

Should recruits (in the academy) be offered a chance to join the union?
If no, when?
If yes, when (beginning, middle, end of academy)?

Thanks...

I'm a little confused...once you take your oath of office you are a member of the department and join the union (although you are on probation for a year and don't enjoy the same rights and job securty as a member off probation)

You don't join the union until after your probie school?

I don't remember when the Union offical came to us but I recall it was in the first week.

FTM-PTB

[Jasper 45]

We take the oath, and are sworn into the Local during our first day of recruit school, and we all pay dues right away.
We also had an extensive presentation from a member of our E-board to explain the Local, the IAFF, grievance policies, member rights and responsibilities, and answers to any questions we had.

[DeputyChiefGonzo]

Almost ditto to Brothers Jasper and FFFred.

New Hires are voted into the Local at our monthly union meeting.

They have a 1 year probationary period, as as FFFred stated, they don't have the same protections and such until they reach their 1st anniversary of their date of hire. In my 25 years, we have only lost 2 firefighters during their probie year. One lost his driver's license ( job requirement) due to DWI and didn't tell anyone, the other took a short leave of absence for what he said was a "family problem" back in Jamaica, then requested a year, which was turned down. He never returned to duty.

[SBrooks]

K, across the river, L36 comes in during the first week, but as mentioned, you don't have much protection. And, of course, while you pay the same dues as everyone, no one listens to new guys.

Of course, VA is right-to-work.

[FWDbuff]

Getting a paycheck? You have the right to be represented by the bargaining unit. Period.


(Now.....You also have the right to a probationary period in the union as well.....And all the accompanying requirements such as keeping thy yap shut, etc.....)

[fyrmnk]

We used to wait until ours were off probation. We've since reduced that and now they can join upon successful completion of the academy. We do also meet with them in the academy to tell them about our Local and when and how to join.

We are not recognized and in a right to work state here.

[Kobersteen]

Okay, a couple of you have said something along the lines of 'reduced protection'. How so?

[SBrooks]

During the first year, you're on probation with the city, and can be fired at will. There's not much the Union can do for you. Don't know how it works in VA.

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Our probationary firefighters also become union members. They should be paying dues to support the contract that they are benefitting from. Here in Illinois, probationary firefighters can get fired within the first year and basically do not have recourse. Cities aren't stupid. They spent a lot of money to get this person hired. There is always a good reason if a probie gets canned. The Union will fight it if this not the case. It is common practice for probationary members to join the local in this area. The city begins payroll dues deduction immediately, unless the probationary firefighter decides to go fair share. That dosent happen around here.

[Smoke20286]

On date of hire our recruits draw for seniority and are welcomed into the union. Officially they are sworn in at the first union meeting they attend

[fireman8611]

During the first year, you're on probation with the city, and can be fired at will. There's not much the Union can do for you. Don't know how it works in VA.

Same here. You start paying dues the day after your 1 year hire date. Don't recall anyone being let go inside thier year. City has put too much money in them.

L495

[mikeyboy411]

How my Departments do it.....

Both of my Departments views are that once you are off probation, then you are no longer an At-will employee and are welcomed into the Union.

[Smoke20286]

In Canada any union local which accepts union dues from an employee has a "duty of fair representation"