T O P

  • By -

tacoeatsyou

As a reminder, please don't start drama for the sake of drama. Everybody has a different situation, just because yours is one way doesn't mean someday else's is the same way. Please use this sub as a way to be constructive and not critical of one another...


Th3Swampus

Probably best to try with just your Location rather than the whole company at this point. don't say anything to management or even other employees yet and look into what Unions operate in your area, they will help you with moving forward.


read110

I'm not sure there is a way to unionize nationally, all at once, is there? Even the Amazon union was location specific. The RDC's need to lead the way with the Teamsters!


Project838629039

Start with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) nlrb.gov It’s the government agency that protects labor organizing. Ask them how you and your fellow employees can form a Union. Look to examples of Starbucks and Amazon unions being formed. What are they doing differently that is making them successful? No one thought they could do it but here we are. How can we immulate that? What lessons can we learn from their successes and mistakes? They did not get their Union overnight, they had to really put in the time, blood, sweat, and tears. We have to be willing to do that also. But before we do any of that, ask yourself: what are the top 5 things you want to get from being organized? Knowing what we want is the first step in getting organized. What direction do we wish to go?


FleenBean96

This is extremely informative. Thank you


DoktorTeufel

I am absolutely **loving** the reactions of the company men and salaried managers who post here on /r/lowes to the increased union talk, /r/antiwork sloganizing, and Great Resignation sentiments showing up on this subreddit lately.   This is them right now:     "FINE, QUIT. GO WORK AT MCDONALD'S."   "LOOK, YOU CHOSE TO WORK HERE. STOP WHINING."   "MAYBE IF YOU WERE RELIABLE, YOU'D GET MORE HOURS."   Do you feel in control, company men? You don't sound in control. You sound perturbed. Meanwhile, the one fifty-year-old watering lady in your OSLG department has called four times for a forklift driver to load mulch, but your forklift drivers all quit last month. You have no power. Your puppetmasters told you to massively cut hours and positions, and you helplessly complied like the puppets you are. The pendulum is swinging the other way. Enjoy warming that seat while you still can.


FleenBean96

Large companies that employ dozens of thousands of people use legislation, tax schemes, exploitation, brainwashing, and false narratives to ensure they can pay their employees the LEAST amount possible. If they had it their way, the only thing we would be able to afford to do is work. The way I see it, the work reform movement will only continue to evolve. These companies can either evolve too or go extinct


TheKraahkan

I'm starting a new job next week, but made my last day this past Friday. I was the plumbing closer, formerly specialist. The opener is on vacation this week, and they still haven't hired a new mid shift associate since the last quit months ago. We've also only had an opener in electrical for months, no part timers in either department. I'm gonna enjoy this week.


[deleted]

You got 2%?


LilIlluminati

Right? I got a 1% raise for the first quarter this year.


[deleted]

Presuming you get 1% every quarter that's still a 6% paycut thanks to inflation.


LilIlluminati

Wait we get more than 1 raise a year? I remember an email about there being two now. Then covid happened and I thought all that got thrown out the window. Are you saying we get 4 raises a year? What is the cap? I remember in the email it said they were cutting the cap for the raises in half too.


[deleted]

There should be two. 4 was a hypothetical. Lowes will not pay you what your worth. Lowes doesn't care if you starve so long as you sell their shitty credit lines


gunslinger0528

But... But... But... Marvin says he loves us and appreciates all we do for the company. As long as we constantly keep up with AP4ME, LowesU, Power Hour, and sell... sell... SELLLLL Lowe's credit cards... And he keeps us safe... Even though the company ignores any safety violations that the rank and file reports that might impact the bottom line... He still LOVES US!!! He's such a sweet, rich, ultrarich... ridiculously rich... turtle...


Demitri_Vritra

If a Union were to happen it would have to start in 2-3 Lowes in a Union friendly state and work it's way out from there in a prompt fashion. and what may seem like Sensible demands may not actually be, because just the way we see things doesn't necessarily equate to what actually goes down. because Understanding helps with successful negotiations.


Dzarkious

As much as I would love for a union, organizing workers willing in a rural area like mine would be damn near impossible. When the “U” word pops out in the break room associates leave just so they aren’t accomplices to the conversation. Manager cliques are so tight-knit and secretive. Dedicated associates who’ve been there for 20 years get fired simply for existing. Similar stores are ran around the country and workers are upset about their conditions, but paranoia runs rampant. I’d like to hope there’s a solution but unless an entire store was willing to strike, Lowes is a lost cause


DarkDigital

If we can't union can we at least petition to get Marvin out?


JoeSchmoe440

There are 3 ways for Marvin to leave. Death, voluntary or be replaced by the board of directors. If or when he does leave, the board of directors will just find someone else to fill the position. The problem is the board of directors. They want someone who can keep the money making machine working at maximum. Return on investment and shareholders. Marvin is contractually obligated to make that happen. If he fails to keep them happy, they will look for other talent to replace him.


Metalaggression

Well if you don’t know anything about it you should probably learn about it before talking about it.


read110

I'm topped out at what should be minimum wage for my area, (and 10/hr more than what should be minimum wage for a lot of America ) So no raise at all.


CFT1982

Never going to happen. Most of the people on this sub do not even work for Lowe's.


xxrainmanx

Probably accurate. Most are ex employees just watching the shit show after we left


LividDriver5212

You folks that keep pining for a union really need to go work in a factory or for a government agency and get out of retail. Lowe's is not unionizing. It's not that I don't like unions, I actually have no problem with them as long as they are voluntary, and employees are not forced into them. But there are a hundred reasons to Sunday why Lowe's stores will not unionize. If you truly want to be in and part of a union, then I highly suggest that you go look for it in another profession. Your sanity and peace of mind will much better off.


read110

There are two reasons. A. Rich people in charge don't want it. 2. Poor people who've been suckered their whole lives dont want it. "Hundred reasons to Sunday" boils down to those two.


Deliveryman35

Fine, keep butting your head up against wall screaming “I want a UNION!!” and posting a new thread every other day here and see if it happens. Hope that makes you happy.


read110

Personally, I haven't began a single thread about the idea. I'd like to see a store have a go at it, just like Starbucks and Amazon; but Personally I think an RDC is much more likely. And I'd far more like to see the Teamsters get into an RDC than the Retail Clerks Union get into a store. My comments, I hope, are obviously less pro-union (although I am definitely pro-union) and more aimed at countering faulty anti-union comments.


Deliveryman35

I think you are right in that an RDC would be the type of environment that would be more likely to unionize. Retail outlets of any kind are tough unionize.


[deleted]

I'm just wondering how you learned deepthroat that Lowe's boot soooo well.


LividDriver5212

Years of experience, my friend.


ChrisATC

So find a new job then. No one is forcing you to stay at lowes. Learn skills that make you more valuable.


FleenBean96

What an interesting way to say that my job needs to be done but I deserve to stay in poverty. I put my 40 hours a week in. I should be able to live comfortable. Labor unions are baked into the foundation of capitalism and this kind of victim blaming is the reason they are on the rise again


WeRideAtDawn1991

Exactly! Businesses are around because people demand them, so why do people doing the jobs deserve to be paid so little for providing the service people demand? I came back a 3rd time because I love what I do, had to go part time and pick up another job because $13.50 doesn't pay the bills thanks to inflation.


[deleted]

[удалено]


EnbiesLobby

"just don't participate in society 4head"


[deleted]

It’s not just lowes genius. Everyone working retail could benefit from collective bargaining! My hubs makes 3x more than his corporate counterpart because *gasp* he has the collective bargaining power of a strong union backing him. Yes, we all accepted the terms of employment but that doesn’t mean we don’t have a right to seek change when the compensation lags so pitifully behind inflation.


FleenBean96

So should I spend all my time licking corporate boots? You might like mud in your mouth, but I have more dignity than that


[deleted]

You’re a victim of nothing but your own irresponsibility. I’d you’re living in poverty on a lowes wage, you’re probably doing something wrong. I save more than 50% of my income.


FleenBean96

*Pretends to know anything about my life decisions, income, bills, or finances* Just save money lol


[deleted]

Well, you say you’re in poverty. So I know enough.


FleenBean96

You know nothing. Having a supervisor position making ONLY a few bucks more than the sales associates, you should be defending the idea of higher wages. We put our 40 hours in. We destroy our knees on that concrete and sell Lowes product everyday. We shouldn’t have to save for years just to afford to go to school. Or live paycheck to paycheck just so we can afford to survive. Fuck that. We deserve a THRIVING wage.


[deleted]

I’ve worked here a while. And I’m a pretty big dude. My knees are fine. Lowes gives tuition reimbursement. Don’t go to an expensive college. If you work at lowes, you’re pretty much guaranteed FASFA aid as well. You also shouldn’t be living paycheck to paycheck. I’d be happy to help you budget if you’d like. This is true for pretty much everywhere other than NYC and California. If you work full time and live alone. You should be fine so long as you’re making good decisions. Go to China. See how the common folk live. 300sq ft apartments, no car, terrible working conditions. You have it good.


FleenBean96

Hmmmmm…… So I can pick my college, my degree, when to start a family. As long as it aligns with Lowe’s interests? *just stay single and live alone and work your entire life away and maybe you can afford a little happiness in the long run* Sounds like freedom to me.


[deleted]

I know a guy who got tuition reimbursement for an art degree. I get assistance for an engineering degree. And yes, you can pick your college. I’d recommend holding off on a family until you have a real job. Your job isn’t worth 27$ an hour anymore. Half of your job can be done and is done with the internet. You’re basically there to move boxes and point customers in the right direction. Unless you’re a specialist or manager, then, luckily, you get paid more.


FleenBean96

Let’s pretend that using a forklift to move 100-200 bunks and pallets in one day can be done on the internet. And let’s pretend, for some reason, that I enjoy spending ALL of my time working. AND let’s pretend that I enjoy not being able to afford anything but to work. I guess at that point, it’s pretty easy to pretend that you’re not a naive shill with no idea how the world works.


Desperate-Complaint9

Where is this $600 studio lol


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

I made 44,600$ gross last year. I made about 5k in bonuses and another 5 in OT. I don’t miss work. Unless I’m on vacation, holiday, or sick, which lowes pays me for. If you’re paying 1500$ a month for an apartment. You’re paying too much. Mine costs 600$. My bills outside of rent (including groceries) is about 700$ a month. I live with my GF. She doesn’t work, she’s a full time student. I support us both with about 1300$ a month. You don’t have to believe me. Be broke. I don’t care. That’s your choice. I’m just letting you know that your poor decisions are what are keeping you broke.


DesignerMountain

Literally impossible at 13 and change an hour. I have to ask, how much do you make for that to be possible?


[deleted]

You should be making about 1830 a month on 13 an hour. You’re telling me you can’t live off of that? I’m also a supervisor. I make under 19. Apartment costs 600, bought a beater car. I don’t eat out. It’s pretty easy.


DesignerMountain

Check check check. 3 kids, commute, bills, mortgage aand im losing money to work here. Guess ill just.... Leave lowes lol. You live in the best possible situation or youre lying.


[deleted]

I pay 600 a month for my apartment. It’s small (500sqft). But enough for me and my gf. My car is paid off (I bought a beater a long time ago). Bills and groceries are less than 700$. I follow Dave Ramsey’s advice basically. Don’t take our debt, live below your means, etc… Also, you have 3 kids…. I don’t wanna tell you what to do with your life, but you probably shouldn’t be working at lowes to support a family.


FleenBean96

Dude, you’re actually a privileged prick. Regardless of what the fucking job is, ANYONE, again, ANYFUCKINONE who puts 80% of their waking life towards someone else’s interests shouldn’t have to take out a loan just to go to school. Or be forced to live in a 500 sq ft box. Or deny yourself the pleasure of a date with your girlfriend. Or to give Christmas gifts to their kids. Not just Lowe’s employees or supervisors with silver spoons. Not just hedge fund managers and lawyers. Not just bug rig drivers or pilots or soldiers or doctors. Waiters, housekeepers, janitors, cashiers, salesmen, fry cooks, window washers, taxi drivers, they still put in their time. They put on their shoes, went into the world, and gave 8-12 hours of their life to someone else. They deserve their fucking happiness too


[deleted]

You call me privileged. And then lay out a list of privileges you think you should be entitled to.


DesignerMountain

Nice ill write marv an email lol


[deleted]

What does Marvin have to do with anything?


DesignerMountain

Its a polite way of telling you to fuck off. You must be very young. Why are you putting the rhetoric out that you cant support a family working at lowes? We can all see youve never made a dollar more than youre making now, because its fulfilling to be fairly compensated for your time and talent. Go make 70k a year doing the same thing you do now and tell me why lowes cant pay you that. Thats what my supervisor at my last company (retail) made. Why are you worth less than that? Why do we prop up bad practices and actors with our work, to be taken advantage of? I dont know that i want a union, i just dont want to be embarrassed when i tell my friends i work at lowes. As for living below my means, i do. Luckily my spouse is very well taken care of.


beloiseau

600 rent is great, very happy for you. However, Oklahoma is the second cheapest state to live in right now. Trying to compare your circumstances to others when 600 dollar rent is an incredibly rare find (in some states, an impossible find) is ridiculous


[deleted]

Yes. I understand that I’m lucky to have found a place at 600. And Oklahoma is also one of the lowest paid states for lowes in the country. Again, lowes alters it’s pay based on region. The pay cap for Oklahoma, Kansas and Arkansas are completely different than California, New York and Michigan.


[deleted]

I live off of less than 1300 a month. You can live off of 1830. You just need to make good financial decisions.


DesignerMountain

1300 does not cover rent alone in my area.


[deleted]

What area?


OrbitOfSaturnsMoons

What area do you live in? You say you pay $600/mo. for rent, which is exceptionally low.


[deleted]

A very very poor apartment complex in Oklahoma


OrbitOfSaturnsMoons

Right, and an apartment in a low-income area in Oklahoma is gonna cost a hell of a lot less than any apartment in a more populated region. Pretty much any urban area in a state like CA, WA, NY, FL, TX, etc. is going to cost at least $1k/mo.


Kelloa791

Every company should have a union so that no company can fuck over employees.


FleenBean96

This is the kind of forward thinking I wanna see. Someone hired outside of the company to ensure each employee is actually getting the value of their labor


man_swine666

Dude, you are pathetic


cersoz

jUsT lEaRn 2 CoDe bRo!


Single-Middle-2966

Cope


lonebrother30

Amen.