From 1970 to 1976; member and shop steward, CWA 1107 (Communication Workers of America). In August, 1970 went on strike for 9 months, got a $1 raise and a closed shop (you had to join the union to work for NY Telephone). Years later I was in management. The union business agent told me that no where in the contract does it say that union members had to "work". Go figger.