[spandextwins]

I was a member of a huge union for a long time and they don't do anything if you're fired or laid off. Because you aren't in the union anymore. But they loved collecting dues. I wonder where all that money goes? There must be a way to find out.

[tephra]

Indeed you can. All Swedish unions will publish annual reports that include information on what they've done and what the money has been spent on. Here are all the reports for the largest union in Sweden for example: https://www.unionen.se/filer/broschyr/unionens-verksamhetsbe...

[toyg]

> they don't do anything if you're fired or laid off. Because you aren't in the union anymore

That's... not how it works, in decent unions at least. In fact, in many sectors in Europe the unions will come out swinging only when layoffs are on the cards. And union membership is not necessarily tied to a job, often people remain union members as long as they stay in the same sector (some unions even allow non-sector members).

[anon23432343]

Not sure which Union you are in.

But if you get fired the union usually checks for you if you were fired in a correct way.

If you pay into a A-Kasa and a union you get more unemployed benefits.

So not sure what you mean that they don't do anything...

[gadders]

In the UK leaders of the big unions get six figure salaries, but still live in council (public) housing. KERCHING.

[switch007]

That’s a lot of wrong information in such a short post

I assume you’re referring to the RMT /deputy/ leader. And just one person, not plural

And it’s not a six figure salary. Just over six if you consider total comp

[gadders]

Wow, that's a lot of wrong information in a medium length post.

23 in the below list on 6 figure salaries (excluding the professional sport unions):

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a759e1440f0b...

[switch007]

Which part is wrong?

I was correcting your misinformation on Eddie Dempsey. Are you going to honestly claim you weren't attacking Eddie Dempsey, trying to call him out for living in housing he's legally entitled to?

I never denied there isn't a union leader who makes over 6 figures.

Which union leader makes over 6 figures salary and lives in council housing? Even so, why do you care so much?

[93po]

The aggression in both sides of convo here makes me feel bad to see on HN :(

[switch007]

Sorry. I get a bit passionate defending someone's right to a fair wage and a home.

Not sure if you're British too (OP and I are) but attacking union bosses is a thinly veiled attack on the Labour party, so in a way, it's a comment intended to incite.

[gadders]

You said it was just one union leader that makes 6 figures. I gave you evidence there are 23.

And call me mad, but someone who owns £100k+ should not be living in council houses intended for people of limited means. It's disgusting and parasitic.

[switch007]

Your original claim: " In the UK leaders of the big unions get six figure salaries, but still live in council (public) housing. KERCHING. "

Again, I ask you to give us the name of a single big union boss who earns £100k+ base salary (you can't pay rent with your employer pension contributions) AND who currently lives in a council property.

I'll even be charitable and accept deputy leaders.

[victorbjorklund]

Part of the money is transferred to the Social Democratic Party directly or indirectly (for example via ABF).

[bjornsing]

Yes. Regardless of what the members want. In many Swedish unions the majority of members effectively have to sponsor their political opponents.

[anon23432343]

The biggest chunk is usually unemployment benefits for other people in the union...

stop spreading your SD BS here...

[piva00]

What country and union?