I was a member of the SDA for 4 years while working as a casual employee for a fairly large retail chain. Not once during my time there did I meet a representative, but I understand that they can't be everywhere. What I don't understand is this:

When I turned 21, my hours dropped dramatically. I suspected that this was because I was 21 that I cost too much, but didn't think that age discrimination was commonplace in the workforce. When I consulted my new manager, they point blank said

"It's because you are too expensive and we can hire someone else for cheaper. I wish I could have you on because you are a lot better, but you just cost too much."

I contacted the SDA and they said that there was nothing that they could do. They said that there was no proof and that i'd have a hard time proving it. There was no attempt to help me and no attempt to investigate. They also told me that since i had rang in February and I had been 21 since August (7 months) that too much time had past and that I had missed my chance.

I think that this is really poor and the next day I sent my resignation from the union. They didn't do a thing for me and when I needed them, they ran away from me.

They ripped off a student who has to study part time, then work to support himself. All they wanted was my money.

Don't join a union, because you get nothing.