Look for the Union Label (and know that they are overpaid)

I'm not a big fan of the union.  I have said it before, I am sure I will take as much crap from the union toadies this time, as I did the last time.  Both my Father and my Step Dad were members of a union. When either of these fantastic men died, the only benefit that I saw from the union was a beautiful display of flowers.
My Father had to retire in his fifties due to his heart condition.  He hated not being able to work, he often said his disability check felt like welfare to him.  He hated that he had to rely on the government, and often told me about when he worked and was a member of his union.
He did something that was considered important-he talked about the lavish conferences that they had in great locations.  He liked that he got to go to them and enjoy himself while his union picked up the tab.  Sounds like Obama in a nutshell, doesn't it?
But then, my Father's heart took a crap and he had the first in a series of heart attacks that forced his retirement.  None of his union pals called to see how he was doing when he had to stop working.  None of them stopped by, none of them wrote a note or sent a card.  He thought that those guys were his friends, but of the dozens and dozens that he knew- two stayed in touch.  Now when he died, they sent a beautiful arrangement.  I think he would have preferred a cup of coffee at McDonald's with his alleged friends from the union days.
Now my step Dad was an awesome guy.  He loved my Mom- which already made him a great guy to me- but he always went above and beyond when he was doing something.  He also worked in a union shop.  That union kept voting in mandatory overtime and literally worked him to death. He hated doctors because of watching his first wife die slowly while being treated by doctors.
Jerry was getting to the stage in life when he was slowing down.  His children were grown and gone, his house paid for, retirement was stretching out in front of him.  He'd begun travelling with my Mom, they had decided to try Tennessee when they retired.  Unfortunately, he also worked with many younger men who hadn't paid for their things yet and they kept voting in mandatory overtime.  Go union.  My step Dad worked himself to death-never getting to enjoy the life that he had built for so long.
I recently  had an experience with a union.  Members of this particular group bounced checks, left my store wide open and unlocked, and failed to keep their word at every turn.  I wouldn't do business with one again if I had to.  Especially if that bunch is the standard bearer.
I read that unions are pouring millions into B.O.'s coffers.  Where do they get that money? From the saps that have to pay into it of course.  North Carolina in just the latest state to allow people the choice of not being forced to fork over their money to a union that doesn't support their political beliefs.  I can't wait until all the states are right to work-I believe it is coming.
The days of 16 hour work days and no day off is long past.  Unions can no more continue to take credit for that than whether reporters can take credit for the rain.  They were both going to happen regardless.  Reconsider whether your money is better spent on yourself, or on the facility, vehicles, and perks of the union toadies.   Think about it, you can thank me later.