katxpajamas -
not all employees/union members are so willing...to even join, much less follow. perhaps it is sad in a right to work state; but n.j. is not one of those states.

in n.j., if your work site/unit is 'represented', the employee is required to either pay the full dues requirement and thus have the right to vote on a contract. or they can pay a partial dues and not have the right to vote. the second example is based on the fact that they are an employee who will benefit from the negotiations of the representatives, and must, therfore, contribute to that effort of the representative. the partial dues payment is not intended to pay for any political activity of the representative.

and union membership and representation is further complicated by employees who are considered 'confidential' employees..employees whose responsibilities could be compromised by union membership. those employees pay no union dues but are bound by the limite of the collective bargaining agreement. they do not have the right to negotiate even for themselves.

what is sad in n.j. is that if there is a union where you work - you must join.