Judy

The answer to your question is yes. There are existing unions that abstractors could apply to for representation.
I do not know of any that currently represent abstractors Probably because the abstractors do not seem to be
unionized yet. The upcoming conventions seems like it would be a perfect forum to explore the
possibility of unionizing along with other workshops and
seminars. You could approach several unions, and have them send organizers to the convention to conduct a workshop
and explain the benefits of unionizing.

You are right that an organization does really not have the clout to negotiate fees with potential clients. It
would probably take the united effort of the abstractors working through a union to acchieve the
desired goal. Possibly it could be patterened after one of the the trades peoples unions.
The IBEW for electricians for instance. This is part of what you would want to discuss with
the organizers.A carefully structured fee system to charge client's on a regional or national basis would be one question to explore.
The potential for success in having union representatives negotiate with title companies would be another.
However, I think that it is wortyh exploring. If it does not work out then nothing is lost.

to post a reply: login - or - register