Complaint Review: AFL-CIO Local 277 AIL - Fort Worth Texas

 The Union that represents AIL is OPEIU local 277 not AFL 277 so the local wouldn't be listed as a union on the AFL website. There is also a 90 day probationary period in which the grievance procedure is not applicable. When you were hired your manager should have given you contact information and a contract. The AFL is an umbrella organization for unions it is not a union in itself.

I hope they listen to you. They have me convinced that they are the most corrupt bunch of scam artists in the country hiding behind the protection of a union that does not represent the dues payers in any way, shape or form.

The OPEIU historically has represented for the most part "white collar" workers. They also have traditionally been the union that employees of "OTHER" unions belong to. For example, if you work in the AFGE (govt union) National Office, they are your union. I have limited knowledge of the OPEIU, thus have little negative to say, except that they are aggressively organizing new groups into their union, many groups that are 'highly non-traditional'. For example, just last year, they organized all of the agents of Prudential. The trick is that Prudential agents are 'captive employees', but that will be changed on 12/31/2006, when they go to being independent contractors. So, there will be another HUGE group of salespersons that are self employed, and have few true protections. OPEIU is also trying to aggressively organize groups such as real estate appraisers, taxi drivers, and yes, they still are working on insurance agents. So, why does the AFL-CIO leave them alone? First reason is membership growth. Unions are getting more and more desperate to replace retiring members; OPEIU is adding members, and thus adding to the AFL-CIO treasury. Also, I think the non traditional nature of OPEIU's member growth has the AFL-CIO scratching their heads. They are keeping their hands off. Any union that can convince self employed persons to pay weekly dues for little representation has a great organizing program. And, how can AIL have a union with no employees? Well, by law, anyone, including managers, may join the union. Many are considered un-represented, but they can belong. I will forward the AIL/ NILICO union complaints to the AFL-CIO. I can't say they will do much, but its worth a try.

Why doesn't the National AFL-CIO look into these people using their reputation, tarnishing it along the way? I have a copy of the Local 277 Agents & Public Relations Union Contract and have to believe there should be some legal recourse. Why would the AFL-CIO, and the Office & Professional Employees Internation Union not care what their Local 277 is doing? On page 4 it clearly staes that "Article 3 Union Security Section 1. New Agents and PR Reps shall be informed of representation by the Union, introduced to the Steward, and furnished with dues and V.O.T.E. check-off." I can and will testify that this nevered happened in Rochester, N.Y. NEVER... On page 7 it says "ARTICLE 7 UNION BULLETIN BOARDS Each Agency shall supply on its premises sufficient bulletin boards to be used for Union business only. The Union shall delegate one of its representatives to post notices. Before such notices are posted , a copy shall be submitted to the Manager of the Agency." Again I will testify this has never happened. There are several other instances that most agents are not aware of. I suggest they ask their manager who their union steward is, where is the union bulletin board and how do I contact my union steward if I have a question, problem or concern? If I feel the need to write a grievance as outlined on page 9 "ARTICLE 14 GRIIEVANCE PROCEDURE" My question to the Unions and to the NYS Insurance Department is why are you doing nothing?

The original question was seeking info on how to file a grievance. Well, you cannot file a grievance. Sales Agents for AIL and National Income are independent contractors. As such, they are not employees and cannot have a collective bargaining agreement. Furthermore, there is no right to representation. Any agent that joins this union is wasting their money. Why would you join a union and pay dues if you have no union benefits or rights?

Since there is no talk of union or voting or union benefits, it seems silly to think about voting? How does anyone even know if there is a Becky Turner, how do we know if her paycheck comes from Torchmark or any of their scamming companies? Stronger real union officers get paid from union dues, I doubt that is the case here. The address is not even listed as a business address. All I know for sure is that union dues were taken from my paychecks. The National AFL-CIO has no idea who the Local 277 is. They cared not enough to return calls. Says a lot about the unions in general and the National AFL-CIO. Most of the agents at NILICO and AIL sit around there offices laughing at and mocking union members. They think they are so much smarter because they are licensed sales agents pretending to be a union brother helping another. The real joke is on them because they are the ones with no retirement benefits, pensions, 401K, job security. The bigger joke will be on them when their License gets pulled or fined for misrepresntation, something they do on a daily basis.

Aren't local presidents voted in by union members, and if so, why can you not join forces and vote her out next election cycle? If she is that corrupt and uncooperative, why was she voted in the first place? Petition members for her resignation?

Aren't local presidents voted in by union members, and if so, why can you not join forces and vote her out next election cycle? If she is that corrupt and uncooperative, why was she voted in the first place? Petition members for her resignation?

Aren't local presidents voted in by union members, and if so, why can you not join forces and vote her out next election cycle? If she is that corrupt and uncooperative, why was she voted in the first place? Petition members for her resignation?

Aren't local presidents voted in by union members, and if so, why can you not join forces and vote her out next election cycle? If she is that corrupt and uncooperative, why was she voted in the first place? Petition members for her resignation?

It's only gotten worse since you left Homero, The numbers dropped in half when National Income Life Insurance Company dropped their $200 per accident or injury benefit to $0.00. They forgot to notify the local unions off this change or the referrals who referred based on the old program. They actually train us to tell the union members that the new benefit is BETTER and costs more, even though you have to be hospitalized over night or die to get paid anything. 9% agent retention last year, I'm predicting 3% this year. The guys are starving or quitting while the managers are yelling because the numbers are dropping. Who is the fool? The 277 does not even respond to grievances, one guy tried 3 months ago and he finally quit, she did nothing!!! No response to certified mail. While the SGA spun it as he is gone because he complained. I hope the real Texas AFL-CIO catches up with Becky Turner and gives her the Boot. Mark Colbert is a private investigator working on it, search for him and you will see he used to sell insurance and now helps to sue the crooks in the Industry like National and American. We are looking at you Becky Turner!