Judy

I am not involved in either the organizing of a union,
an association or SOT. I am an abstractor just like
you. Unionizing was just an idea I had. If possible
it seems to make sense. Whether an associatyion or
union is formed it will be necessary to have some form
of permanent administrative personnel to run it.
It could take the form of a corporation or limited
liability company, but that is not a requirement. It
would be necessary to fund the organization either as
an association or a union. This would probably take
the form of membership fees in the case of an
association or union dues in the case of a union.
Either way the larger the participating membership
the better would be the chances of applying for
reduced group rate insurances and setting up retirement
plans.

In the case of a union, the membership speaks with one
voice through its union leadership for the purpose of negotiating fees with
potential clients. For this purpose it may be wiser to
operate through a legally constituted union rather
than through a trade association in order to avoid
claims of antitrust and restraint of trade. Collective
bargaining through a duly condtituted bargaining unit
is a legally permissable method of negotiation. For
instance independent truckers are unionized. Although
their union, the Teamsters, has come under fire in
years passed, it does negotiate contract prices for
its membership with potential clients. If you are
interested in it it may be possible to invite union
organizers to the convention to hold a seminar to
explain the "how tos".

to post a reply: login - or - register