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Unionizing Sign Makers

SolitaryT

SolitaryT

New Member
I've had this question in my head for years. Is there a union for sign makers? I think it would be nice to have a loose alliance of sign shops, where we could collectively bargain for retirement and healthcare, and where, when companies decide they want to compete with us rather than sell stuff to us, we can, as an organized group, say "no thanks". I've found that the IUPAT has a set up for sign-makers, but all they do for you is guarantee you a wage of $16/hour (which seems to be the average wage for any sign shop anyway), and they don't have any other benefits for sign-makers other than you can only print signs for Democrats. Anyone have any ideas, or know of anything like this that already exists?
 
Biker Scout

Biker Scout

New Member
Free Market Economy. Most unions are relics of the industrial revolution's fat cat's and robber barren's slave/master style management. Which in this day and age they are really no longer relevant to most trades. They collectively drive prices up so that companies have no choice but to file chapter 11 protection so they can legally get out of union contracts, and then seek to source new labor/materials pool overseas. UNIONS = JUST SAY NO!

However, on the flip side, I'll agree, they do have some nice perks and protections. But not so much, depending on how you view your liberty, free time, and extra income. Seems to me that the only way I'd want to be involved in a union is to be the one of the original organizers who just rape the members for dues and fees. Offer a few "Atta Brother" comments at the bi-monthly BBQ. But then again, I'm not really greedy like that.
 
Rick

Rick

Certified Enneadecagon Designer
At an exhibit house I worked at, I had to join...

This was the local union I belonged too:
http://www.local831.org/index.htm

Didn't work there long enough to make any difference
in pension, insurance or benefits and even though I got
paid a lot, they took a lot.
 
Biker Scout

Biker Scout

New Member
I suppose we could collectively buy containers worth of stuff and sell directly to members who bought in. Co-Op Sign Supplies!
 
letterman7

letterman7

New Member
I know of several union shops, but they aren't "sign" unions. Electrical and sheet metal seem to be predominate. Used to work at a union shop that had both and I wasn't pushed into trying to join since I didn't have experience in either. The year I left I heard they were pushing all non-union employees to unionize.. and a couple years later they were closed.
 
wildside

wildside

New Member
SolitaryT said:
Wonder if you could just organize something for the benifits without ACTUALLY unionizing.
Click to expand...

Isn't that basically a sign association? I know the ussc and the isa have health insurance programs etc. Not necessarily purchasing power on materials unless you are a franchise shop.

Nonetheless, the sign association we are a part of helps with sign reg negotiations and health insurance premiums, even have a Scholarship program for employees and family members.
 
A

Asuma01

New Member
Biker Scout said:
Free Market Economy. Most unions are relics of the industrial revolution's fat cat's and robber barren's slave/master style management. Which in this day and age they are really no longer relevant to most trades. They collectively drive prices up so that companies have no choice but to file chapter 11 protection so they can legally get out of union contracts, and then seek to source new labor/materials pool overseas. UNIONS = JUST SAY NO!

However, on the flip side, I'll agree, they do have some nice perks and protections. But not so much, depending on how you view your liberty, free time, and extra income. Seems to me that the only way I'd want to be involved in a union is to be the one of the original organizers who just rape the members for dues and fees. Offer a few "Atta Brother" comments at the bi-monthly BBQ. But then again, I'm not really greedy like that.
Click to expand...

Clearly no bias in this post eh?
 
Biker Scout

Biker Scout

New Member
Yeah, well... thanks to the unions I'll never see these again :banghead:
chocodiles_top_450w.jpg
 
Fred Weiss

Fred Weiss

Merchant Member
The answer is, was and always will be a trade association. Five years ago, those of you who were around will remember, we wrote bylaws, held elections and attempted to have Signs 101 become member owned and operated (hopefully to evolve into a trade association). It didn't work out for a number of reasons ... but a trade association is still the best solution for those seeking a solution.
 
Craig Sjoquist

Craig Sjoquist

New Member
Letterheads & Walldogs are 2 of the best & beside the 2 trade associations ISA & USSA

Unions are way to political & are a scam.
 
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