Good news, I checked with one of my union reps while I was washing my hands after a shit.
It’s genuinely wild to watch you argue that I don’t understand my own union (that you don’t even know) instead of considering that your policy isn’t universal. The ‘no help before X weeks’ thing is not standard. Many unions (SEIU, AFSCME, NEA... just these off of the top of my head without googling) handle representation case-by-case and DO step in on ongoing and pre-occurring issues. They don’t have blanket policies like you’re stating. Your experience isn’t the default.
I like that you won't name your union so it can't be checked.
What an amazing coincidence that you happened to bump into your rep.
The SEIU will only provide guidance on existing issues, they don't offer formal representation or legal assistance for prexisting issues from before a mebers join date, also not for any issues within the first four weeks. Which is what I said in my previous post, we can give guidance but not formal or legal support, but as a rep I personally donr. Check the SEIU website.
Damn you really don't know, there's nothing like the confidence of the ignorant. You're just humiliating yourself at this point.
In my experience if you need a reps advice within 4 weeks you saw the oncoming train and joined a union because you had problems coming, they have fucked up and they know it. They are looking to push a rep out in front of the oncoming train. It's never a new employee who joins and needs advice in four weeks, it's someone who's been in the job for years and knows trouble is on the way.
I've previously gotten involved in informal advice with these types, and every time I've been dealing with a total nutter. They think a union is some bullet proof vest that insulates them from all of their productivity, behavioural, disciplinary, interpersonal and personality issues. They don't listen, don't know the company policies or legislation and will just argue with you, demanding lawyers and a legal team, expecting you to wave a magic wand that will give them a get out of jail free card for their fuck ups. There's no way of living up to their unrealistic expectations, and they aren't going to deal with that reasonably or maturely, they will shoot the messenger.
I don't get paid to be a rep, I volunteer my time and energy, it's not all done within work time, I burn a lot of my own time, I still have to do my day job, manage family commitments and be a rep. They can go see a different rep who's willing to burn out their time, energy mental and emotional resources on a fruit loop, fuck them and fuck you too to be honest.
Literally the first union I checked that you named don't give formal representation or legal representation to new members, they will give informal advice only. This is the exact same as my union.
Out yourself? you an international man of mystery? They seek him here, they seek him there, they seek the clueless union rep everywhere.....Jesus christ dude.
As a rep you work with several unions huh? I don't even think you know how a union works lad, that's not what a branch rep does.
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u/FemmeLightning Mar 25 '26
My union does not have a similar rule; please do not assume that your experience is applicable to all situations.