Hey, 
        That's all good stuff. I never dreamed that things were like that. It 
sounds like unions might be the way to go. 
        Only one problem, and it is an ethical problem. For one thing, in 
Nashville (TN), they just recently went to pulling 12 hour shifts instead of 
24 on, 38 off. This let a few of the old-timers demand back pay (thousands of 
dollars) and seriously hindered every one else's opportunity for second jobs. 
The way they pay aound here, that is a bad thing. To top it off, the ones 
pushing for the change split, pursuing different careers, etc. Not only are 
all the young bucks now broke, they have no way to effectively continue their 
education. Like I said before, I am in school now working for my EMT-Basic. I 
also work 11 hour days in the Army. I couldn't do it if I worked 12 hour 
days. Plus, EMT-Paramedic in TN is only offered 3 days a week during the day. 
You see what is going on. These people are hurting.
        Another ethical problem is one where some unions don't deal fairly 
with employers. That sounds weird, but a union is really great for 
"correcting deficiencies in fair labor relations", but it can be abused. 
Something along the lines of Congress voting themselves a pay raise when half 
the country is below the poverty line. If it weren't for the amount of money 
car manufacturers bring in, I would almost say UAW is abusing someone. I have 
seen assembly line workers in action, and I can't believe how much they get 
paid. 
Another unethical consideration: recently in the news, I've heard about some 
unions 'salting' a non-union employer with a pro-union agent who works at 
this place just long enough to document a long list of fair labor practice 
violations. He then quits and files a complaint. The watchdog organization 
uses federal money to prosecute and the non-union employer comes out of 
pocket to defend himself. Even if he's cleared, he lost a lot of money.
        Anyway, I guess I would in the end ask if an organizaton such as FOP 
or NCOA, who by member support, attempt to influence lawmakers to rectify 
some of these situations. I don't know if a union would be the best 
alternative for me. How many EMT's do you know could afford to strike if it 
came down to it?
        I really appreciate you taking the time to talk with me about these 
issues. I am realy interested in making the right decision and if I think 
it's the right thing to do, I would work towards helping to organize a union.
                                        Thanks again,
                                             Mike
   
--- Maximus 3.01
---------------