Massage Therapist Union

I have been working at my current job for almost 2yrs now. I work at a major Spa Company located inside of International Airports. Anyway, we very much need a union to help us get the benefits we deserve like Health Insurance or a 401K. The corporate workers and Spa Managers have health insurance but the therapists do not. If anyone sees this & knows either how to start a union for MT's or know of a Union we can talk to please email me. cat0728@aol.com It's seriously not fair that Managers who do nothing but make schedules and order supplies have health insurance and we massage therapists do not.

I couldn't agree with you more. I however have no idea how to start a union.I know there is a union in the Penninsula Hotel in NYC that covers all the therapists. It might be good to ask someone there.

unlimitedspirit said: I'm a LMT in the NYC area in a union and it's interesting as I expected....

Where? What union? Please elaborate.

dwm2215 in Lake Villa, Illinois said: Hi jen in lake villa,
Im Bill also in Lake Villa. I cant even get a job because I am a male. I wouldnt say that except I keep getting told that all of the salons I visit have a male already and they cant hire another. So really you should be happy you have a job because some of us cant get one just because of our sex. I am a medical therapist with now a year and a half of experience 7 months of those post graduation now. And have even done ce work although it isnt required of me yet. STILL I GET NO QUARTER WHEN IT COMES TO A JOB. Now I am starving and would give anything to just get my foot into the door somewhere including deal with low pay right now. Heck I had to slash my own private ptactice prices because I was hoping to be able to grow a practice from the comfort of having a regular job but was fired from that two days after being hurt on the job just prior to my graduation by a couple of months.

As far as local ce coures GO FOR IT

that is so sexist they shouldnt be able to do that. i am sorry for whoever businesses do that to.

I am now on my 4th year about of practice I spent two of those years literally giving all my services away to CREATE myself a job by forming relationships with the community,However only after a year of holding that job I had a minor cardiac incident due to a congenital heart defect, I was fired and my job was immediatly given to a (female) now the only work besides my horribly sluggish private practice( due to the economy, i usually take care of charity cases through my P.P.) I now have again no job no income and am back at square one.

what city do you live in? Becoming Unionized, I hardly think it would ever come about to protect our jobs, but would be Fantastic if it came about. I have been in the business 14years and have worked @ many different Spas, because of poor management, some issues with jealous therapists and/or Spa has closed their doors. I always have fought for what I believe in, you must too. Be Strong!!! Move in a positive direction. If you are in Los Angeles area, you will find work @ The Massage Places. There are 11 different locations. I pray for Excellent Health for you and Financial Blessings as well!!!

your gender should make no difference...its discrimination and there should be charges brought up against the company who fired you. Male therapists where I work in California are doing extremely well. I, myself prefer a male therapist. Something really needs to be done. Private clients would be so much better, I wish I could do private, because there's no overhead, but as a female therapist, I can't have just have anyone come to my home and vice/versa. I will pray God will direct you to the right place of business with the right amount of income. I know it's not easy. It wasn't for me...Ive been in this business 14 years and have worked in many Spas, Chiropractic Offices, Homes and Corporations. Im finally now in the right place. You will be too!!!

I thank you for your very kind response, I am a Christian so someone saying that they will pray for the guidance I so desperately need. Thank You and God Bless.

hannah in Fremont, Michigan said: that is so sexist they shouldnt be able to do that. i am sorry for whoever businesses do that to.

If no one will hire it's an opportunity for you to go out on your own. What have you got to lose? Try working with a chiropractor, or PT gender doesn't seem to matter as much in these kinds of settings. Don't look to the spa or salon for work. The clientel in these places are looking more for pampering and less for welness. Good luck and don't give up

therapistinga in Atlanta, Georgia said: I am interested in having a serious conversation with other massage therapists about forming a viable union to protect massage therapist who work as W-2 employees. I am moslty self employed but I have one W-2 position and I see how the spa takes advantage of its workers. I am located in North Atlanta.

You and me both. I am not happy with how things are ran either. We need to find a way to start a support group.

unlimitedspirit said: I'm a LMT in the NYC area in a union and it's interesting as I expected....

what is the name of the union? I would like to find out information from them on how I can start my own.

Join your local IWW. They will help you and you can get organizer training there. I go next month for it. It's two days on the weekends, which for me is going to be a little difficult because I have to be at work at 2 and the workshop runs until 5pm. However, I can grab all the information and learn. I am also going into the labor studies program at my local college. If we all collectively list our needs, I think this could happen. Then we could start chapters in each of our areas and sub chapters as well. You only need three people from your workplace to start a committee. Once you have done that, go to the IWW and discuss starting a Union. Once a Union is formed, your job cannot fire you. It's that simple

I think we are all preaching to the choir. If you've ever worked for a spa you know how exploitative they can be. From forced pay cuts during "Spa Week" to no extra pay for working holidays (in cases of hotel spa work). I don't know how to form a union nor do I know of any already formed union to which we could attatch ourselves, but we need some kind of support.

I disagree. I am a member of the IWW, and trust me, something will be done. We will organize a union and things will change.

personally I will never willingly join another union again if i can avoid it, I was forced into a union when I was a nursing assistant, all the union did for me was make me worth less in the long run, I got paid less after paying dues to them, people with less skills and training got paid the same as me, people in less medically needed positions got paid the same and those in more demanding positions, I no longer got paid more because of my skills than anyone without training, and then they used the money they made from the dues for political gains. SEIU is the most corrupt Union in this nation and if they ever get involved in the massage profession I will look into a different field of work

Terry Time in Trenton, Florida said: I don't think unionizing is a good idea. Can you think of one industry that has remained profitable after unionizing? Unions have destroyed the airline, textile, automobile and steel industries. Unions destroy businesses by choking them with excessive rules. The initial intent is always good - protect the worker - but the outcome is the same.

That's why I'll work against all unionization efforts.

Unions of today have, for the most part, choked their respective industries. However, that is NOT what Unions used to do. Unions are formed with the simple goal of fair treatment within the workplace which includes wages, benefits, etc. In my experience and considering the education, licensing, ongoing education and insurance requirements of a practicing LMT, it is very apparent that they are not fairly treated. Those who hire 'Contractor LMT's' notably abuse them because, and I quote, "...because we can. It's how it's always been." I'm all for capitalism and profits, but when it specifically cheats a entire group of people in a given workforce...well that's when a Union sometimes becomes necessary. I'd suggest that any Union formed should include in their by-laws that dues would not be used in lobbying for any partisan person running for public, state, or federal office. Union monies should go towards improving quality of life, building benefit programs, etc., especially for all LMT's. Negotiated percentages should be based on skill and client feedback, NOT longevity. Chiropractor offices take advantage as well...and who are they really helping? I know massage therapists who would blow the doors off most chiropractors in a single one hour session. I'd be interested in helping to build the LMT Union.

Pamela in Indianapolis, Indiana said: Send a bad message? If I took a receptionist job, I would expect payment for every minute that I am at work and a benefit package. Now, what would happen if all of the receptionist in this country just got paid .25 every time they answered the phone. No benefits no vacation just .25 per phone call answered. Would professional receptionist be angry? Wake up, we have entered and paid for a industry that is not protecting us.

LMT's need their own Union. Less of a chance for it to be used, abused, etc.

Hey, Terry Time... you are out of touch with reality! the US Airline industry is making money for the first time in 20 years! US Automotive industry is also making money, expanding market share! US Textile industry closed almost 20 years ago, going to other countries, where they pay 20 cents an hour under horrendous and dangerous work conditions (would YOU want that JOB? No, I didn't think so). Union political action lobbies to PROTECT jobs in the U.S. while corporations and billionaires move OUT the jobs! Get a clue.

Terry Time in Trenton, Florida said: I don't think unionizing is a good idea. Can you think of one industry that has remained profitable after unionizing? Unions have destroyed the airline, textile, automobile and steel industries. Unions destroy businesses by choking them with excessive rules. The initial intent is always good - protect the worker - but the outcome is the same.

That's why I'll work against all unionization efforts.

YOU CANT SHIP MASSAGE JOBS OVERSEAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We would have the upper hand.

If you think that unionizing is bad. I bet your also the person who is charging 25.00 per hour. You don't see docs or dentist lowering their prices to this level. If you call for a doc or dentist visit their prices for a visit are all pretty much the same. If not a Union then Therapist who are not stupid enough to accept 15 dollars per massage with no benefits, no nothing. So I want to work for money, there has to be a better way of keeping us all out of the poor house and ways to keep from corporations keeping our money. No it is not all about the money, but lets try to get smart about it.

pamelai3 in Indianapolis, Indiana said: If you think that unionizing is bad. I bet your also the person who is charging 25.00 per hour. You don't see docs or dentist lowering their prices to this level. If you call for a doc or dentist visit their prices for a visit are all pretty much the same. If not a Union then Therapist who are not stupid enough to accept 15 dollars per massage with no benefits, no nothing. So I want to work for money, there has to be a better way of keeping us all out of the poor house and ways to keep from corporations keeping our money. No it is not all about the money, but lets try to get smart about it.

Also they don't have to send therapist overseas.....overseas are coming to the united states and posing as massage therapist and taking jobs that they are NOT qualified for. Human trafficing, and loads of other problems come with it. The local police do what they can. WISE UP.

Missy in Newport News, Virginia said: I totally disagree with the young ladies statement about Men not being wanted as massage therapist. I have worked as a Receptionist at a massage school that was open up to the public and been a owner of my own spa. There are people out there who want to be massaged by a man. There is a place for men and women in the industry. It is important to educate the public and evidently some of our therapist.

you also live in virginia, which is a coast and had more forward thinking people. not so for everywhere else

Pamelai3, You're preaching to choir. I couldn't agree with you more. We who work for spas who regularly pay and either or hourly wage ( if what you earn actually hands on is more that what the hourly wage would be in a 2 week period, you're only paid for the hands on. The time spent waiting for the "walk-in" is not compensated.)are nothing more that part time slaves. They get away with it all the time because we're not organized.

Those who think unions are bad have not looked into history before unions. Management exploited the workers horribly. They had no benifits could be fired without notice, compelled to work non-compensated hours. They had their wages cut at the will of the employer. If you've ever worked for a spa you know first what it was like. Those practices exist now. If you're in private practice a union is not necessary I agree, but if you work for a corporation you might very well be a part-time slave.

Here, here, MattY

So would I. How does one do it? That seems to be the question.

In the NYC area, I worked in a spa that was and still is unionized. I am no longer there and did benefit from the union when there was an injustice. It has its pros and cons. Unions are needed where there is poor leadership and this spa in a hotel definitely needed a union. The union was formed through the New York Hotel Trade association www.nyhtc.org/ ... Spas in hotel have more of a chance of getting unionied through the current union representing the other areas of the hotel. Outside of the hotel will take a grass roots effort. Anyone interested in organizing a union needs to research the current spas that are unionized by contacting the shop steward of that spa. Every spa has a different collective bargaining agreement.

That's funny because my husband works in a union shop and they do nothing but help him. Keep his hourly rate above average, pay his taxes, affordable health insurance for him and family, sick days, family leave time, A1 car buying, life insurance and if I forgot a pension, onsite nurse to monitor vitals, fresh bottle water, ice if he needs it for his drink, holiday pay, overtime pay.....................HE IS JUST A HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE. NO TWO YEAR DEGREE, NO COLLEGE, NO SPECIALIZED TRAINING, NO CEU'S.

Is your husband a licensed massage therapist? I don't know is required of therapists in Indiana but in NYwe do have to continue our education. What union is your husband a member? Is it a local union or is it national? I'd love to know.

No my husband does not work as a Massage Therapist. My point was missed. He still is respresented by a Union as a worker and recieves a fair salary and such. The last comment I replied to was about Unions don't do anything for workers. I listed what the Union: United Steel Workers do for their people.

And a good point, this is, Pamela. There seem to be several factors why Massage Therapists are usually taken advantage of by employers. Because they CAN and are allowed to be. There was a sudden rise in the availability of therapists that National Chain Massage Envy took advantage of, and also, it seems that middle men have also gotten in the act to sell to chiropractors, the idea of abusing our labor to make a bunch of extra cash for free (otherwise known as profit). Boy, do I have a great true story for you about that regarding an LMP starting her career with a wonderful mentoring Chiro, who was swayed by these middle men. The Chiro began loading on Massage hours, the LMP, of course was getting injured, so she was forced to go on her own. She was sooooo thankful for those early good years with that Chiro and getting credentialed on all the insurance while there. Like so many folks, if there is no regulation or checks and balances with making profit (abusing labor) they succumb to GREED. Let's face it aren't massage therapists the real motivation for going to a Chiro. No likes having their back jolted and jerked violently into a better position. Injuries by this type of treatment are not uncommon. Massage treatments can actually allow the back/other joints to repositioning via changing/repairing the soft tissue that has pulled the joints out of place OR is preventing the joint from going back into alignment. What would the chiro's do without us. I once did a temp gig for a chiro. His client just had a major hypertonic neck muscle that was keeping her in pain. I released it in one treatment. I'm sure your not surprised that the chiro didn't ask me back, nor did he look gleeful when the client said "Wow, she is really good!" After all what profits can be made from just ONE treatment. (-; Take heart you wonderful therapists that you have a LOT value. The only way to gain/regain economic justice is to equalize power-organize, change the system for the better

Hello everyone. I'm a member of the IWW and I just moved to Orlando. If any of you are interested in joining, or would like to start a branch with me, please respond to this post directly at simplejibboo@yahoo.com. If you are interested I learning more about the IWW, do a Google search of Industrial Workers of the World. Thanks!

Fairness and good treatment in the world is inherently right...right?...heck, I want to be fairly paid and dealt with in the workplace. Here is the flipside: Look what happens when unionization happens: massage Prices go up ...somewhat aertificially with reference to supply and demand (as the massage therapists would like to see obviously) and then demand goes further down, AND other alternatives to getting around unionized employees pop up - some from corporate america who find ways to redefine massage lets say, have the money to lobby congress for such, import workers from third world countries who see our minimum wage as mesmirizing windfall, and they take all the jobs we americans dont want because we want to be able to buy a car, live in a house, eat three squares, etc.

So, are you voting for protecting the boarders? Enforcing immigration laws? If "Corporate thugs" have unlimited access to people who will work for pennies - the masses in this country or anywhere will be forced to join them. The fact is if you have a car, any car, a bed to sleep in, any bed, you are wayyyy better off than 90% of the worlds population. So unless you are actively working to protect all american jobs and way of life...you are setting yourself and your children up to lower your standards to the rest of the world. A bad thing? thts up to you to decide. Many professions dont even have the protection that a massage therapist does because you have to be in the united states to deliver a massage here. So many professions have been all but eliminitaed here because corporate exploits the third world IN the third world and just lays everyone off here. And those laid off people WERE your clients! Are you active politically and voting to keep America strong?

So, are you voting for protecting the boarders? Enforcing immigration laws? If "Corporate thugs" have unlimited access to people who will work for pennies - the masses in this country or anywhere will be forced to join them. The fact is if you have a car, any car, a bed to sleep in, any bed, you are wayyyy better off than 90% of the worlds population. So unless you are actively Many professions dont even have the protection that a massage therapist does because you have to be in the united states to deliver a massage here. So many professions have been all but eliminitaed here because corporate exploits the third world IN the third world and just lays everyone off here. And those laid off people WERE your clients! Are you active politically and voting to keep America strong?

I'm not sure I understand you point. But, yes, world Elite Empire is trying to create an entire world full of employable slaves that will help make them rich. Hey, that's been the way of Empire for 1000's of years. But let's not let that get in our way of progress. Evolution can be slow and sometimes it can be fast. Do the salmon just give up because the current seems too strong? NO! Voting alone is NOT going to maintain democracy. And and fear or anxiety of BIG corporate America should never stop progress for fair treatment of ANYONE, not even a fellow human being from outside borders. My clients love that I don't undervalue my work. They love my work, pay me a fair wage, and come back again. And they, never cross outside our boarders just to get massage. That would cost way too much time and money, for sure.

Look around there are already illegals doing our job. Most of them Asian and most of them slaves. Here in Indianapolis when the cops bust these "Massage parlors" they find several underage girls piled in closets being hid. Alot of these foot massage places are packed with illegals. I am wondering what your point is? Patrol boarders.....what? I bet your one of those that give a hour of massage away for 20 bucks an hour. Some of the wages I have seen here in Indianapolis have been crazy. Eight dollars an hour with absolutely no benefits. I have actually had a employer at a major hospital in town tell all of us that there is no vacation time, So don't ask.
Here is my point so you get it CLEAR.........
We have education, we have continuing education, but our price per hour is going down and our cost of doing business is going up. With the education we have all paid for don't you think we should get paid a little more than a fast food employee, or a maid? These companies are making money off of us by saying we are independant and really they run us as employees. I have had so many employers ask me, Can you return this phone call? and a lot of none related task they want. If you don't they are very willing to let you go and pick the MANY therapist behind you that are very willing. If a Union is not the answer then what is? One thing I have started doing when I see that employers treating independants as employees, I get a SR22 form from the IRS and fill it out and send it in. Another thing for us therapist to do is to start blowing the whistle on some of these employers and stick up for ourselves and stop accepting the crap they are handing out.

So then, the answer is to be treated as an illegal immagrant to keep illegal immagrants from taking our jobs? We need protection the same as any other profession.

I am in agreement with Union or some type of organization that keeps our rates, quality of working space, some definition(employee,not employee) at some kind standard. Someone down the line entered illegals into conversation. Whether they are here in the united states or not is really not relevant to the original posting here.
The original posting conversation was if a union can be formed to protect us MT's. Myself personally am tired of being treated as employee(please call this client back,no sick days,no vacation, no health insurance).
I have always remained a Independent Contractor. The options today are not very pleasing to become an employee. Massage Envy is paying $15.00 per massage per 50 min. No benefits. Nice waiting room for you to wait in until your next massage. Its nice they pay taxes. You have a option to buy your insurance.

We have to NCTMB and local watch gaurds for testing. But who is watching and defending our business end? Employers that operate these day spa's,retreats,etc... that have zero zilch experience, they learn from us for free that have paid thousands to be a legal MT's. They can say or do or replace you without reason or cause. They drop the price of service but up your operating cost.

A union is underway here in Orlando, however it's in it's very, very early stages. I have a committee of four employees, including myself, and tomorrow we go up against the bosses. We've already devised a plan, now we have to compile and agree upon our demands. So if all goes well, we will be making history. Unions aren't a bad idea, as long as you go with the right union, aka the IWW.

l am very interested in this conversation and l think a union is VlTAL for massage therapists! Given some of the poor practices of employers who do not understand massage as well as the splintered ways rules and regulations vary by state, l imagine many well trained, licensed therapists are working for unfair wages and in poor conditions. We must join together and do something. l am hopeful seeing all of your responses. We should create a website and an email chain to continue the discussion. lt is also nice to see how many states are represented here. Meaning this is a nationwide problem that needs to be addressed.
Thank you all!
Sincerely,
Vanessa Soto
vsoto7@gmail.com

CgLmT in Orlando, Florida said: A union is underway here in Orlando, however it's in it's very, very early stages. I have a committee of four employees, including myself, and tomorrow we go up against the bosses. We've already devised a plan, now we have to compile and agree upon our demands. So if all goes well, we will be making history. Unions aren't a bad idea, as long as you go with the right union, aka the IWW.

Please contact me! Miami needs your help!
vanessa soto
vsoto7@gmail.com

Nail tech is NYC area are getting organized after a victory in court. www.nytimes.com/2012/04/11/nyregion/new-york-nail-salon-workers-uniting-against-job-abuses.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=nail%20salon&st=cse#

Seeking to organize massage therapists in Hawaii. Objectives will be representation for fair treatment, scheduling, and days off; affordable or free medical/dental/vision insurance; employer paid retirement plan; paid time off (vacation, sick leave, TDI, LTDI). We need a majority of MT's at each site to commit before negotiating improvements.
Respond with your email if you are interested!

Organizing a Union for MTs in Hawaii. Objectives are representation for fair scheduling of treatments and days off; affordable or paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision) for single and family coverage; retirement plan. We need to have a majority of MTs at each company to commit for legal recognition (under National Labor Relations Act) to negotiate improvements. Please respond with contact information if you are interested. Thank you!

I'm It am LMT in Hawaii, but I would be interested in keeping up with the developmental process.

letterbomb99 in Boston, Massachusetts said: Join your local IWW. They will help you and you can get organizer training there. I go next month for it. It's two days on the weekends, which for me is going to be a little difficult because I have to be at work at 2 and the workshop runs until 5pm. However, I can grab all the information and learn. I am also going into the labor studies program at my local college . If we all collectively list our needs, I think this could happen. Then we could start chapters in each of our areas and sub chapters as well. You only need three people from your workplace to start a committee. Once you have done that, go to the IWW and discuss starting a Union. Once a Union is formed, your job cannot fire you. It's that simple

I'm interested in contacting you in order to start a union in Massachusetts

therapistinga in Atlanta, Georgia said: AMTA was just a thought about how to reach therapists. I know plenty of therapists that aren't members of the AMTA and they are the ones that seem to need a union the most. Therapists that are making less money tend not to belong to organizations that charge 200+ dollars for annual membership. I just want ideas about how to reach people and to see if there are therapists out there willing to work towards a union.

Hello, thank you for your input about seeking a Massage Therapist Union and Membership. I am in the same situation, but I work for a corporation that dose not work to protect it's therapist. If you have some success please advise me on your efforts. Thanks