Even good employees need representation at times. Employee/Supervisor relations sometimes break down, thru no fault of either party, requiring possible intervention and help from outside sources such as the union, eeo, etc. Most of the time, these differences can be ironed out at the lowest level. There are advantages to being a Union member. Legal representation to the arbitration level is a major one. Certain protections and considerations beyond Bargaining Unit member status during grievances is another. Participation in controlling your destiny as an employee is another, when it comes to Contract re-negotiations and employee rights. Yes, it costs an employee a monthly membership fee, but that is cheap insurance for the employee that gets caught up in a situation where he/she needs representation and protection from a management machine that tends to roll over employees, whether that employee was in the right or wrong. In addition, everyone makes mistakes, and every employee deserves a second and maybe a third chance. If you are not a member, consider joining. If you are, pass this along. There is strength in numbers.