Question for Teamster members..

[jakebrake12]

Originally Posted by shoeman

I just wonder what union dues are when you make 20 mil a year. If I was a fellow basketball/football/whatever I would support them but in no way can you compare them to truck drivers so don't even go there!
Thats probably why you couldnt ask this in the other forum!

Shoeman,
Can't ask on the union forum because I'm a non-union employee. I found some information you may find interesting. The NFL players do not pay union dues. They pay a service fee. Unknown to me the NFLPA is not currently a labor union. They were decertified in Nov 1989 after the strike so it could legally file lawsuits against the NFL over free agency. They are now getting players to obtain union cards asap so they can again be recognized by the owners as a legal labor union.(this might be done by now)

The NBA union dues for 2008 are 4,000$ per year for players at the minimum salary which is about 430,000 for a rookie up to 1.4 million for a player with 10 years of service. For players above the minimum it is 5,000$ per year regardless of salary.

MLB union dues are 50$ per day only during the season. This is a flat rate regarless of salary and years of service.

In no way am I trying to compare the Teamsters to any of these unions. All I wanted to know was the general feeling you guys have about them. Do you support them because they are a union or could you care less. Thats all..

[HiwayHombre]

I fully support their right to bargain collectively, regardless of what their compensation consists of or what their public status is...

It's their right to bargain collectively and it's guaranteed by the first amendment of the US Constitution...

[Stan Smith]

Originally Posted by jakebrake12

Wanted to ask this on the union board but I cannot. What is your feeling about Pro-athlete unions such as the NFLPA or the MLBPA. When these unions lock-out the owners or strike do they have your support due to them being union or do you feel a disconnect due to the salaries they make? Been curious about the individual Teamsters view about this. Thanks..

Personally, I try to support all unions all of the time, because I know that if there is a weakness that the other side can exploit, they will. At the same time, I have a sensitive spot when it comes to pro athletes and the things that come out in the media on their disputes at times. In general, I feel it hurts the labor movement, because it does not reflect the same issues that the people really needing a union have facing them. Furthermore, I am not saying that they do not need a union, but merely saying that it puts in peoples minds that all unions are over the top in their bargaining. Overall, the players need a union due to the owners and others making money off of them like crazy then would like to just throw them out when they are no good anymore. For example, the issues that face the ex NFL players now with health problems. In closing, I know many union members fear speaking openly about problems and issues within the union due to hurting the union. I respect that view and share it at times myself. At the same time, I feel the way we can better the union is to be very open about the issues with all people and speak from the heart.Thats just me though and one mans opinion...

• Mike Ditka Demands NFL and Players Association 'Do The Right Thing' As They Face Their Corporate Responsibility Moment in New Cro Magazine Cover Story

[45cal.]

why wouldnt I support them if they did not have some kind of representation all the money would go to the greedy owners\
Get all you can I wish it was me

[jakebrake12]

Originally Posted by Stan Smith

Personally, I try to support all unions all of the time, because I know that if there is a weakness that the other side can exploit, they will. At the same time, I have a sensitive spot when it comes to pro athletes and the things that come out in the media on their disputes at times. In general, I feel it hurts the labor movement, because it does not reflect the same issues that the people really needing a union have facing them. Furthermore, I am not saying that they do not need a union, but merely saying that it puts in peoples minds that all unions are over the top in their bargaining. Overall, the players need a union due to the owners and others making money off of them like crazy then would like to just throw them out when they are no good anymore. For example, the issues that face the ex NFL players now with health problems. In closing, I know many union members fear speaking openly about problems and issues within the union due to hurting the union. I respect that view and share it at times myself. At the same time, I feel the way we can better the union is to be very open about the issues with all people and speak from the heart.Thats just me though and one mans opinion...

• Mike Ditka Demands NFL and Players Association 'Do The Right Thing' As They Face Their Corporate Responsibility Moment in New Cro Magazine Cover Story

10-4. I have followed the ongoing problems with the former players and it is a sad issue when you think about it. I know many former players, Mike Ditka is one of them, have given there own money to help the guys who need it. The NFL and the NFLPA have not done enough to fund the healthcare. When you consider these are the players who paved the way for current players contracts it is indeed sad they have not done more to help them out. I do believe this will change due to the efforts of Mike Ditka and others involved. I also think it will reach a point where the PR from it will cause the NFL to put up some money to quiet the issue.