<prompt> Human: The Union is supposed to act as a buffer between the worker and the employer, to protect the worker and provide a fair, livable wage with benefits for the worker and their families. What do you do when that buffer is the one stealing from you? Im not going to post what union I work out of, but this is essentially whats going on...My total package is worth 38hr. 9 of that goes directly to the Hall. This is supposed to pay for my insurance, fringe benefits, etc. Now, assuming I REALLY bring home 29hr, I also have a working dues deduction. No one has been able to tell me what that pays for. This is a percentage of my check that yet again goes to the Hall. That, coupled with a few other deductions that were voted in a month or so ago totals 100-150week. So the bottom line is 500week take-home. Im technically working within the jurisdiction of my local, so they wont pay me per diem even though Im working 77mi from home, which on the low end even with public transportation costs 100week to commute. All of this is on top of my monthly union dues. How do they justify triple-dipping out of my check? Im a young journeyman under 30yo and this is terrible. Ive worked hard to get here, but its so bad Ive had to get a second job to supplement income. I have friends in other unions in the area who tell me they just pay their monthly dues and a percentage to their pension. Im assuming my hall is doing all of this legally, and by no means am I looking to sue anyone or try to squeeze money out of them. Im just looking to get paid what I deserve. Im considering bowing out of the hall and finding employment elsewhere. Ive only put in one year of work with this union so Im not vested yet, so I wouldnt really be losing too much in the way of benefits. What canshould I do, rpf?? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for all the help.  <response>: Read your Union contract, if you read it up front then you would know what dues you would be paying to the union. If your a journeyman you must have been there for a few years. Are you complaining about paying dues? You can find a non- union job, and you wont have to worry about paying dues. 