Forced into union to gain a job wondering if this is allowed

To all,

I live in Oregon and after being employed for a couple of weeks.  I was confronted by the shop steward and given all the info to sign up in the union.  He stated I had to join or I could not work at the facility.  I proceeded to sign up in fear of losing my job during this rough economy.  I was recently told that Oregon became a right to work state a couple of years ago and I did not have to be in the union if I didn't want to be.  My whole point is I was never given an option.  I feel I was forced into something I did not want to do.  I would like to not have someone take my hard earned money and control my retirement.  I pay into an IRA and this union.  If I didn't have to pay the union I would be able to max both my traditional and a ROTH IRA.   I talked to an employee that retired recently.  For 30 years of work to this company he will only be recieving 1230 a month.  He would have to live to 107 years old in order for it to pay out the same as just my IRA.   ... If anyone can help me with some info that would be awesome.

Thanks a bunch

sldawhite:

I was recently told that Oregon became a right to work state a couple of years ago and I did not have to be in the union if I didn't want to be.

I don't think that's correct but I haven't found much except the following link:

http://www.nrtwc.org/s...

Try calling the OR Secretary of State to confirm whether forced membership is legal.

And according to the drill-down to the US map on that site, Oregon is NOT a right-to-work state, i.e., forced union membership is legal.

http://www.nrtw.org/rt...

You should check out National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation site, it will explain in detail your rights . You can be forced to pay the cost of negotiations only. You can excise your BECK rights ,but make sure you are on record as being force to join a union,otherwise they may hold the power to bring chares against you and collect large fines