Article: If your workplace has a union, it negotiates collective bargaining agreements that cover benefits and wages for all employees in a bargaining unit. A bargaining unit is a group of employees who perform similar work. Generally, the union is the sole negotiator for all employees in the unit, even those not in the union.  Unions also represent members in workplace disputes with supervisors. Common disputes occur around discipline and termination. A union may pay for a lawyer to help the employee arbitrate a dispute.  Ask around and talk to a co-worker who is in the union. Ask if she or he has ever had to file a complaint with the union and how it was resolved. Also ask if they think they are getting good value for the dues they are paying. If your workplace has a union already in place, then you should call Human Resources to ask how to join. Alternately, you could ask a co-worker if she knows who the union representative at your workplace is. Whether or not HR has a form depends on whether the collective bargaining agreement provides for HR to deduct union dues. If the agreement does not, then contact your union representative. Get the “Dues Withholding Form” from HR or from your union representative. You will need to include personal information (name, address, and job title). You will also need to provide your Social Security Number so that union dues can be deducted from your paycheck.  Make sure you have the right form. Multiple unions are often present at large employers (such as universities). Some unions may exist for hourly workers and a separate union may exist for salaried workers. Each has its own form. A typical form looks like this. Union membership isn't free. You will have to pay dues on a schedule, typically monthly. There should be a dues schedule that HR can give you.  The amount of union dues varies by workplace. Generally, you can expect to pay between $200 and several hundred dollars a year.  Union dues fund a variety of activities, for example office support and organizing costs. Money is also used to pay fees for attorneys who help with negotiations and accountants who analyze the employer’s finances.  You are probably already paying into a union. Although a unionized workplace will be open to employees who do not join, bargaining agreements often require all workers to pay a percentage of the union dues. This is called an “agency fee.” Complete the form accurately and completely. Unless you request that your application be withdrawn, you should be enrolled automatically in the union. Keep a copy for your records. If HR automatically deducts your dues, then you do not have to do anything to pay your dues. However, if HR does not automatically deduct dues, then you will be responsible for paying them yourself.  Each union has different methods of payments. Some require that you send the money to a designated delegate. The delegate then sends back stamps for you to paste into a booklet, signaling that you paid your dues. Other unions require you to pay online. You will be given an identification number and password. Once you log-in, you can then pay the dues. Be sure to ask your union representative about how to pay, and contact her with any questions. Active participation is crucial to a successful union. You may vote on issues and in elections, as well as join committees. Committees are commonly formed around education, consumer affairs, veterans, and women’s issues.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Learn about the workplace union. Call Human Resources (HR). Ask for a form. Understand how much you will pay in dues. Complete the form and submit. Pay your union dues. Participate in the union.
Article: Rinse and dry your equipment thoroughly, and store in a dry place. Clean equipment is less likely to introduce bacteria and infection to your open, freshly shaved pores. Change the blades as needed. A dull blade will leave your face feeling raw and sore, and is much more likely to cause razor burn. Shaving once every couple days can help prevent your hairs from thickening, and making your next shave more irritating. The more consistently you shave, the better the quality of your shaves will be, and the better your complexion. Shaving removes dead skin and keeps pores from clogging, especially if you practice good hygiene after shaving.  Additionally, the low-grade friction created by shaving can stimulate collagen production and may lead to smoother skin with fewer wrinkles.  Use a styptic pencil if you are susceptible to nicks and cuts. When using a styptic pencil, simply wet and gently spread across the area where the nick occurred.  The material on the pencil will constrict the blood vessels near the cut, and prevent anymore blood from coming out.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Clean your shaving supplies. Shave often for good skin.
Article: If your partner is showing signs that they are ready to make your relationship known, take subtle steps forward. Doing so may make your partner see that telling the secret isn’t a bad thing. It may also encourage them to be more open about you to others as well.  For example, posting a picture of the two of you on Facebook or Instagram is an easy way to take the first step. Inviting them to hang out with your friends or even attending a party together are also ideal ways to introduce your relationship. Only do this if you are sure your partner is ready to be open about your relationship. Otherwise, you could create problems by making your partner feel rushed. You may have thought that you could handle keeping your relationship a secret and agreed to do so. If you decide that you can’t anymore, you don’t have to stay. In some situations, it may be unhealthy to stay with someone who hides their love for you, particularly without a valid reason. Fortunately, you can make the decision to walk away. Keeping your relationship a secret may actually be a blessing in disguise when you decide to leave a relationship. Not showcasing it on social media and having people ask you what happened may help you to pick up the pieces much easier than if everyone you know was aware of the relationship. Although it may be painful to deal with a partner keeping your relationship a secret, going through this experience can help you identify what you do want in a relationship. In order to a have healthy partnership, you need to feel as if you emotional needs are being met. Plus, although all relationships come with hardship, you should feel nourished, supported, and positive about yours. When you enter into your next relationship, be sure to listen to your needs.  Gain more awareness of your emotions. Rather than taking whatever your partner says as law, decide for yourself how you feel. Think about what you need. Is being able to share your relationship with family and friends important to you? If so, make that clear up front. Listen to your gut. You inner voice will tell you whether you feel safe and secure in your next relationship. If you get a sense of any red flags, pay attention and take action.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Lead by example. Leave if you are unhappy. Know what you want the next time around.