I may have just signed my death warrant with my employer.

[Chan790]

I just threatened to head-up the effort to unionize every barista they employ if they don't start paying us what we're worth...I found out that the comparison matrix they're using locally to judge competitive salaries consists of: Burger King, Taco Bell and Subway. That's BS.

Words of encouragement and job offers appreciated.

[crimsonblue]

1. if you're fired for unionizing...

then your employer has a lawsuit on their hands.

[Chan790]

3. Well...

without say who it is (in post)...you do know who I work for?

They have the money to fight forever. They've already got one of those lawsuits going on...they've kept it tied up in the courts for the past five years.

[crimsonblue]

4. If had to guess..

I'd say it rhymes with barmucks. If it is them, they've (their corporate management) faced a lot of unionizing pressure, and are pulling their best corporate WalMart to stop it. Plus they are losing money and market share like crazy.

[Chan790]

6. The answer to your guess rhymes with "bess".

oh well...I was leaving soon because I can't afford to live on my take-home pay and because I've started to see behind the facade. I love my field, I could be making much more doing other things...I love coffee.

[crimsonblue]

5. If it is them, then get in contact with whatever advocacy org

does Pro Bono union cases. See if you can't get class-action status. That will make it a bit more effective for ya.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

2. I second that statement. It's true.

He can be sued very easily.

[Captain Angry]

7. Comparison matrices

I was in technical support. As in Windows, PC hardware, etc. For a top 3 manufacturer. The largest employer in my town.

They told us that we had competitive wages. We said that the agents with the same job responsibilities in other states made twice what we did.

They said, we pay competitively.

Competitively with who?

Other companies that are as large as us.

Like who?

A beer company, and a contract manufacturer.

Ok, so what you're saying is that two companies that will hire anybody off the street with no experience are competitive with us? When we need weeks of training, and prior experience, regular certification updates, etc?

Yep.