Sure you can! If you work in an environment where the collective has the right to bargain for any raises YOU may get in the future, you side with the collective. Doesn't mean you have to also vote for Democrates in order to not be called a hypocrite............
FWIW, I lost my job (FIRED) last Nov. after almost 35 years with the company and just a mere 2 weeks before I was scheduled to get laid off along with the rest of the plant. With the LayOff Benefit, I would have received 4 months full salary then 8 months at 60%. By firing me they only had to pay me the 4 months..........
Had I been in the union that would never have happened..........And since Michigan is an "At Will" state, any company has the right to fire you whenever they want...........
Don't tell me to contact a lawyer because I have been there and done that.
If given the choice, I would never join the union but after what happened to me, I can't say that I have any loyalty left to big business...............
Those of us a little younger have never had any loyalty to a boss/job (a reflection of how they have treated us). We're replaceable commodities. So are jobs. The only thing that lasts is your network of contacts and skill set. They will keep you working at progressively better jobs or contracts (assuming your good at what you do).
I ALWAYS scrawl 'I Don't Agree' on the signature line of non-competes. No HR drone has ever noticed.
Nobody under 50 expects to work one place for 35 years. I shudder at the thought. I'm always looking for the next opportunity.
That sucks. My condolences. But that happens and is why we all have to take more responsiblity in our lives, we can't trust government or business to take care of us. I hope you have a soft landing.