Is this legal labor practice?

[Mulhane]

I have a union card in WA. Dues are withdrawn from my paycheck. However, since I am still considered a "Temp", I get no benefits besides free weekly attendance at an apprenticeship class, which is not required to advance to full employee status. I and several others have been in this position for more than 2 years. We work at a big city public schools district. Nobody tells us when any advancement may come, if ever. They used to wait only for a matter of several months. Also, our status precludes any normal sick pay,bonuses, holiday pay, and of course we get no credit towards retirement until we are full-benefit employees.

On the positive side, our pay is the same, and we get 40 hours a week. But out-of-pocket medical, dental, vision, etc. are eroding my economic status. Administration certainly benefits from this abuse, and so does the union, since we pay dues and get nothing. Is it legal?

[spooky3]

1. Read the union contract, as a starting point.

[Angry Dragon]

2. Perhaps you are asking the wrong people

You need to talk to your shop steward and the administration to find your answers...............

[EC]

3. I don't know what type of apprenticeship classes

you're taking, but most of them give certifications that help at other jobs as well as the one you are in. I know a few of our apprentices got laid off (in HVAC)and continued on their own dime their classes - it wasn't cheap, so you are "getting something". Besides the fact that the reason you get the same wage is because the union sets the standard for everyone.