Wages less because I am in a union

[wagesless1]

Montana
I have been offered a position within my department as a "Confidential Employee." The union will not let me out because of the bargaining duties I do. Those duties would then become non-bargaining duties. There would be no displacement or layoffs. It was determined that I would make approximately $4,000.00 more per year than I make now. There is no way according to the bargaining unit contract that I can get the increase in wages. It seems someone should be liable. I don't know if it is the union, for not allowing me out to get the promotion or the county government (public sector) for having a system that pays non-union employees more than union employees. Please help.

 

[buddy2bear]

A great many companies pay their non-union employees higher wages specifically because they are non-union. It is a slap in the face to their union employees and it is an incentive to limit unionized personnel. Like saying, "see, you wanted to be union, look what you are missing."

If your contract has a management's rights clause, then I think you could make an argument that management would have the right to pay you at a different level for the non-bargaining unit work that you do. Just because you would be considered a "confidential employee," does not mean you can't be a union member. If worse comes to worse, you could be a "core" union member. That means, you would pay dues, but not be allowed to vote, etc., as a union member. You can ask your local or international representative just what "core" membership entails, but don't expect them to be happy about answering you. If they are of no help, then call your nearest NLRB regional office and ask an information officer what it is.

 

[wagesless1]

Thank you, anymore good advice buddy2bear?

I want to thank you for your prompt and wise reply. They are still negotiating my position. There are union members who want the position posted. It's not that it is a new position it's just been changed by management because of the responsibility, fiscal and labor issues involved. I am making decisions which have deep impact that I never made before new management stepped in. I don't know whether to just sit it out, wait and see what happens or what? I really need and want this raise/promotion. Any other suggestions. You're helpful.