Labor Union

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

http://www.debate.org/labor-unions/

A trade union, or as it is sometimes called a labor union, is when a group of workers band together to achieve goals related to their job. Trade Unions are often in the news, especially when they are striking or picketing. However, many people do not know the history behind these organizations, what they do for members and the pros and cons of trade unions.

Trade unions originated in Europe during the industrial revolution. Because of the machinery that had become commonplace, skilled labor became less in demand so employers had nearly all of the bargaining power. Employers mistreated the workers and paid them too little for the work they did. Trade unions were organized that would help in the improvement of working conditions.

The concept of the trade union has evolved over the last one hundred years, but the underlying concept is the same. Union members want their employers to treat them with respect and pay them a fair wage. During the early and middle portions of the twentieth century, laborers were a major force in America and around the world. They have lost some of their influence in the past few decades, mainly because of financial struggles.

The largest union organization in the United States today is AFL-CIO, which has millions of members across the country. What do trade unions do for their members? It varies from union to union, and not every union will offer every type of benefit. Unemployment benefits and insurance are very common benefits and are useful to members in many industries. Collective bargaining and industrial action allow members to negotiate with their employers over wages and working conditions. A final activity that many unions participate in is supporting candidates or lobbying for laws to be passed or repealed.

Public Opinion Labor Union Debate

With everything the media says about unions, one may wonder if they are good for our economy and business in the United States, or if they cause more harm than good. This is a very good question, and there is no simple answer. Unions can help workers in industries that are regularly underpaid or mistreated. With a union, workers do not have to worry that employers will drastically cut pay or lay off worker with no notice. But, with all of these benefits come some risk, and these risks are what cause criticism of unions by the media.

Unions take the power out of the employer's hands on many issues. There are examples of cases where workers were engaging in sexual or racial harassment, but were protected by their unions and allowed to keep their jobs. Poor workers and excellent workers often receive the same pay and raises, giving no reason for a person to work harder than necessary at their job. Unions can make workplace politics even more complicated. There are a lot of issues to consider when you look at unions. They will likely have a place in certain industries for quite some time; however, they will likely never reach the numbers and influence they held in the early part of the twentieth century.

Where do you stand on this issue?

 

[beowulf]

im a union member

that article missed out the health and safety side of things, if it wasnt for unions improving workplace h&s life would still be cheap with companies taking short cuts to save money, putting people at risk

 

[DrLeftover]

I was a union shop steward for about eight years.

What do you want to know about them?

The concept is good. They have done some good things. But like everything else people do, it can be abused, and in the long run, some of the unions have contributed significantly to the loss of jobs and the closing of businesses. For example, see the current situation in Detroit.

 

[Dee]

The concept is good. They have done some good things. But like everything else people do, it can be abused, and in the long run, some of the unions have contributed significantly to the loss of jobs and the closing of businesses. For example, see the current situation in Detroit.

This, essentially. If or when I ever become a teacher, I'll definitely need a union to represent me against the administration looking to increase my workload, lessen my hours and pay, and cut my benefits. I've seen it happen with all the teachers I worked with. They can be bad news and can be abused, though.

 

[Webster]

im a union member

that article missed out the health and safety side of things, if it wasnt for unions improving workplace h&s life would still be cheap with companies taking short cuts to save money, putting people at risk

I was just going to say something about the benefits of a union there...put simply: all those benefits that workers have nowadays, don't thank your employer..than the unions who fought for those benefits over the years.

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

Pat is in a union and while he loved the situation at first, as the years have passed the union has done a lot of damage to his financial plans for the future. Seems like every year they come up with one way or another to cut what they give and the retirement age is becoming a fairy tale. It is not possible that Pat will be physically able to work till he's 58 as he'd planned when he first joined the union. He'll be lucky if he can work till he's 50 the rate he's going. And his union shows little interest in helping him reach his retirement goals.

I am in a union in my job and they don't do anything for me except take my money ($35 a month I think) and do absolutely nothing. Every time they try to fight for something, they aren't successful. Whats the point of a union that can't accomplish anything?

 

[seasidemike]

Great question,
I think that unions have their place in the workforce, people need representation and there are a lot of good unions out there.
Where is becomes a problem is when unions start risking the very thing the members need most, which is their job.
I think that for unions to work effectively in modern business, they need to be in a business partnership so that the members have a real understanding of the business finances and strategies so that both the company and members can benefit.

If it is unbalanced and a union has only a take mentality, then companies these days can easily look for productivity improvements and labor costs reduction is other countries.

The big argument comes into play when you start talking public sector where these jobs cannot be outsourced to low cost countries. The problem is the funding for these salaries come from a shrinking tax intake, so the question becomes one of a battle of public opinion towards public sector workers.