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Reader Responses April 21, 2005
SURVEY SAYS: Would You Join a Union?
April 21, 2005 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Union rolls have
long been on the decline (until last year), but these are
trying times - and perhaps time for a new generation of
worker support.
Reported by Nevin E. Adams
These may be trying times – but if we had been trying to certify a union based on this week’s responses, it would have been a resounding failure. More than 81% of this week’s respondents not only said “no” to any interest in joining a union – many said “heck, no!”
About 11%, however, would appreciate having the option – and, interestingly enough, they were not only currently non-union, they appeared to be predominantly in the financial services sector. One reader noted, “Yes, I would join a union if it was available at my employer. I feel that unions serve an important role in America. Unionization of workers benefits not only its membership, but helps to preserve the “American work ethic” that helped build this country. In a time when jobs are being moved oversees at an ever-growing rate, we must strive to maintain and grow the union membership in order to help keep these important jobs here in America. Unions are like the forest of the land, as they help to prevent the erosion of our jobs to other countries.”
Most pro-union support came from readers whose perspectives seemed heavily influenced by a perception of a lack of fairness in how the rank-and-file was treated vis-Ã -vis “senior management.” As one noted, “In today’s time you get so much from management regarding no funds for increases and other things. However, in reports you see where the top management receives an abundance of increases and other perks after a good year.”
Another noted, “The answer would probably change depending on what day you ask. Some days I think we are really progressive to look out for the individual through our child care, health-care, and vacation programs and that the point of the union becomes moot. And then there are days when I read in the newspaper about the CEO’s big bonus just after learning that the employee raises are limited to a minuscule percentage when I would walk the picket line myself.”
One who wasn’t personally interested, nonetheless noted, “I personally would not join the union. Over half of my company’s workforce is unionized. There are occasions, however, in which I can see why employees would have wanted to join.”
Changing Times?
A number of readers evidenced a perspective that times may be a-changing. “…I feel for a period of time “U’s” had gotten to the point that they were no longer being managed to benefit the worker and thus resulted in their decline….However, in recent years it appears they have had a make over and they are now getting back to their ‘grass roots’ so to speak…and that is to speak and work for the best available benefits (monetary or non-monetary) for the day-to-day worker trying to make a living.” Another, not yet ready to embrace unions personally, nonetheless noted, “If I worked for a company that treated its employees badly, I would join a union. When unions first came into existence, they were needed. They brought safer working conditions and better pay to the average worker. If companies would police themselves, treat their employees well, pay fairly, and play nice, we would not need unions. I think the treatment of workers is going downhill fast, and that is why unions are increasing in numbers again.”
Indeed, a large number of respondents felt that while unions had – once upon a time – served a valued and valuable role, those times were…well, once upon a time. One reader noted, “I acknowledge that unions were an important and needed force in this country for many years. If they want to be relevant today, their concern must go beyond their membership. They must be concerned with aiding their industry and their employer as well.”
Roughly 7% of this week’s respondents fell into what I would term a “maybe” category. As one reader noted, “I have heard people complain, stating that the unions never helped them, and I have heard others swear that unions are great. Since I am not union, maybe I would try it for a year and then decide from there.” Another observed, “I am not sure if I would join one, but I certainly don’t want my job sent overseas or want to see my co-workers in that position. If unions could find a way to work with businesses to reduce expenses and be protective of jobs then there may be a place for them today.”
Strong Opposition
But most were not only opposed – they were adamantly opposed. Here’s a sampling:
“…My worst job experience was during summer break in college when I interned at a utility company and was required to join the union. Eager to learn and put in an honest day at the office, it is there where I ‘learned’ how to complete two hours of work in four hours, how 15 minute breaks were extended to 30 minutes, that quitting time was actually 30 minutes before actual paid time. Don’t get me wrong, I was very well paid for the amount of work I was asked to do. But if you tried to work faster or longer, you were pulled aside and reminded of how things were to be done.”
“…I think a Wal-Mart Executive said it best in their continuing fight to fend off the UFCW Union….The only thing the union can ‘guarantee’ you is the ongoing payment of union dues….”
“Would I join a Union? Hell no. Why? Because I am good at what I do. Unions treat everyone the same in terms of pay, benefits, etc., and I do not want to be treated the same as other people who are less competent. I want to be rewarded for my accomplishments, not lumped in with everyone else. Unions remove the incentive to excel at what you do.”
“The unions, in my opinion, mostly serve two purposes: 1. to drive a deeper ‘them’ and ‘us’ mentality into a workplace, and 2. as a way for employees to hold employers hostage. Union folks complain about expensive medical benefits and the lack of raises. Well, join the real world, people ….We ALL are experiencing those things.”
“I would never join a union. Unions invariably raise the cost of labor. Anyone with a basic understanding of economics knows that if you raise the cost of labor, employers will demand less of it — leading to higher unemployment. It’s pretty ironic that this new bill being floated by Congress is called the Employee Free Choice Act. The history of unions shows very clearly that by means of violence, intimidation, and murder, an employee is usually forced to succumb to union demands.”
“I would rather work for an employer that I trust and want to participate with as a team member, rather than against as an antagonist. I could not rationalize in my mind the conflict between whether I worked for the union or the employer whose product or service was sold to pay my wages.”
“Join a union – absolutely not!!!! We have two union sites and I am often amazed at some of the things that we have to deal with in the way of grievances or arbitration. Unfortunately, unions have a duty to protect the bad employees as well as the good ones.”
“Absolutely NOT! The time for unions has passed. I’ve never been a union member, but for the people I know who are, their union doesn’t represent them philosophically, politically, nor in the workplace. They are union members only because they have to join to hold the job, and they are required to pay dues they resent paying.”
One reader, who cited the apparently higher pay and lower health insurance costs, as well as benefits such as a credit union for union members, went on to say “…the greater job security is attractive, as is a structure to fall back on in cases of questionable personnel decisions. I have several family members who are unionized, and they have a much better situation than a non-union person could get in a comparable situation. Plus, the unionized road crews sleeping in their trucks while traffic crawls, seem to have it good.”
Another (breathlessly) replied, “I would have responded sooner, but I had to wipe up the coffee I spilled in my rush to reply to you. Boy, did you ever just touch a hot button. My answer is NO, a thousand times NO. Unions are the single most important cause for nearly all the ills in modern American economy, the erosion of quality in the workplace, the sense of accountability that is sadly lacking in many, many unionized environments, the perpetuation of the mediocre, the defense of the incompetent, the unmitigated rise in health-care costs, and finally (I ran out of breath) the loss of thousands upon thousands of jobs formerly done by high school graduates, hence leaving many potentially productive members of society forced to ask, ‘Do you want fries with that?’ I hope my answer was clear.”
But this week’s Editor’s Choice goes to the reader who noted, “If Corporate America would stop practicing the Kleenex Method of Human Resources (use the employee, then throw him/her out) unionization among exempt workers wouldn’t be a consideration. Corporate America expects loyalty, but doesn’t provide any. Since I work in a Kleenex environment, I would join a union, in a heartbeat.”
Thanks to everyone who participated in our survey!
I would have responded sooner, but I had to wipe up the coffee I spilled in my rush to reply to you. Boy, did you ever just touch a hot button. My answer is NO, a thousand times NO. Unions are the single most important cause for nearly all the ills in modern American economy, the erosion of quality in the workplace, the sense of accountability that is sadly lacking in many, many unionized environments, the perpetuation of the mediocre, the defense of the incompetent, the unmitigated rise in healthcare costs, and finally (I ran out of breath) the loss of thousands upon thousands of jobs formerly done by high school graduates, hence leaving many potentially productive members of society forced to ask "do you want fries with that?". I hope my answer was clear. :> (I speak from 17+ years of experience in a major unionized environment, and many all night bargaining sessions with people who only had their personal gain in mind.)
Since our responses are confidential I wanted to respond and say that YES I would join a Union if I could even though I am an exempt employee.
In today's time you get so much from management regarding no funds for increases and other things however in reports you see where the top management receives an abundance of increases and other perks after a good year. When earnings are up and the company is doing great, why are there not funds for good raises? It makes no since to all of us and I believe that having a Union could help us to be heard and would allow us to get answers to our questions.
Tough call. I have heard people complain stating that the unions never helped them and I have heard others swear that unions are great. Since I am not union, maybe I would try it for year and then decide from there.
Been there, done that - No thanks. My worst job experience was during summer break in college when I interned at a utility company and was required to join the union. Eager to learn and put in an honest day at the office, it is there where I "learned" how to complete 2 hours of work in 4 hours, how 15 minute breaks were extended to 30 minutes, that quitting time was actually 30 minutes before actual paid time.
Don't get me wrong, I was very well paid for the amount of work I was asked to do. But if you tried to work faster or longer, you were pulled aside and reminded of how things were to be done. I'm thankful my parents hard work ethic rubbed off on me and how quickly I forgot how to work like a union rep.
Absolutely not. You pay money in union dues to pay the inflated salaries and expenses of union officials and get little in return. The unions were needed at one time, but we now have enough laws in place to protect workers from unfair and unsafe work practices. Besides, look what it did for Jimmy Hoffa!
Yes, for increased bargaining power.
Not today
IMHO, unions served their purpose years ago when there were many unfair labor issues. However, I feel they have gotten too powerful and have created more harm than good. Their demands and threats to hold out have helped add to our high cost of living. And, a larger need to import from other countries and the movement of jobs overseas. I believe someday they will be the source of their own demise. They are no longer about the employee/member but about the power and we all know - Power corrupts!
Would not join union under any circumstance.
I would not join a union. A union would limit my potential earnings. In a union, a co-worker could produce a lot less than I am but still be paid the same.
"I sit in an air-conditioned building in a soft chair, taking an hour break for lunch, working on a computer to "produce" a peculiar widget called employee benefits. I see no advantage in forming or joining a union, other than to perhaps further a sense of deep-seated entitlement. If more and more jobs are becoming like mine, which I presuppose is the case in a post-industrial America, then the argument for unionization is considerably weaker. And truth be told, I would probably be fired if our employees felt disenchanted enough to form a union. I'd rather move employees with a carrot than with a stick any day."
Would I join a union? Under most circumstances - definitely not I want to do my job to the best of my ability and to come up with new and interesting things for our employees. A union demands mediocre work. You can't perform better than anyone else. You can't be creative. Just mediocre. And who wants that!
If I could, I would probably not join. I think a Wal-Mart Executive said it best in their continuing fight to fend off the UFCW Union.......The only thing the union can "guarantee" you is the ongoing payment of union dues.................
I would not join a union because I am in management, so I would be ineligible. Even if I could, I'm not sure I would. I was in the Steelworkers' Union in the late 1970s, and that union seemed hostile or indifferent to anything other than its own concerns. I believe its shortsightedness helped cause the decline of the steel industry in this country (which is not to say that the company, USS, was also blameless). I realize that was a while ago, and things may have changed since then. I acknowledge that unions were an important and needed force in this country for many years. If they want to be relevant today, their concern must go beyond their membership. They must be concerned with aiding their industry and their employer as well.
No. I prefer to work directly with management
myself and feel that a sense of individuality is lost
when lumped in with other employees covered by a union.
Salaries are the same even if one person performs better
than another.
I would not join a union. I am an individual with ability to represent myself and do not need the support of a 'gang' to enunciate my position.
Unions like government safety inspectors may be helpful in pointing out unsafe working conditions but should have no place in directing contracts between two consenting parties. Unions traditionally represented the lazy, the incompetent, the misfits rather than those willing to exchange a full days work for a days pay. Unions also support socialist and leftist politicians that promise something for nothing; rights without responsibility. Go fish.
I would not join a union. I watched my Dad (a member of the AFL-CIO for 30 years) lead union meetings and strikes as an employee of New Jersey Bell, Southern Bell, and eventually AT&T. Usually the reason they were striking was either not resolved or so compromised by the time it was resolved that the union workers ended up losing more than they gained. I also heard him talk of the stupid (IMHO) rules regarding who could do what on a job site.
Even though he was more than capable of doing certain tasks, if his job description did not cover it then someone else would have to be called in and delays were the norm. I believe that unions harm a company by putting them at odds with the very people who work for them. I've always believed that a responsible, upstanding company with a conscience will do better in attracting good employees and retaining them and therefore be more profitable. Kind of a corporate circle of life...
Would I join a Union? Hell no. Why? Because I am good at what I do. Unions treat everyone the same in terms of pay, benefits etc. and I do not want to be treated the same as other people who are less competent. I want to be rewarded for my accomplishments, not lumped in with everyone else. Unions remove the incentive to excel at what you do.
Would I join a union? NO WAY! Would I work at a company with a union? Nope. Our employees have tried to unionize and should it ever happen, I'm outta here.
I believe that unions had their purpose in the beginning of their existence, but with 4 million government rules and regulations (okay, maybe not 4 million - but it feels like it) to hold employers in line ... and attorney's on every block willing to take a case of any type of discrimination or unfair treatment ... who needs a union?
The unions, in my opinion, mostly serve two purposes: 1. to drive a deeper "them" and "us" mentality into a workplace, and 2. as a way for employees to hold employers hostage. Union folks complain about expensive medical benefits and the lack of raises. Well, join the real world, people ... we ALL are experiencing those things. I find very little sympathy (okay, no sympathy) for people who are whining about the ways of the world. If they can't stand it ... find another job.
I've toughed it out at a job where we have had annual medical and dental premium increases, forced time off due to no work, no increases, and no profit for sharing for years. Whining and strikes will change nothing. The choice is mine to stick it out or to leave.
Oops, I got kinda chatty here ... guess it's a hot topic for me.
I would never join a union. Unions invariably raise the cost of labor. Anyone with a basic understanding of economics knows that if you raise the cost of labor, employers will demand less of it -- leading to higher unemployment. It's pretty ironic that this new bill being floated by Congress is called the Employee Free Choice Act. The history of unions shows very clearly that by means of violence, intimidation, and murder, an employee is usually force to succumb to union demands.
A true Employee Free Choice act would be to allow each INDIVIDUAL to negotiate an employment contract with an employer under terms that both parties find mutually agreeable. This act being supported by Congress is anything but free, if it forces employees to do something against their free will.
I'll step off my pedestal now!
No, I would not join a union. They often prevent businesses from moving forward. Also, I don't think they do very good job of protecting their members, which is their primary purpose.
Unions breed mediocrity and bring everyone down to the lowest level.
I was "forced" to be associated with a union when I was a college professor from 1990-1997. The union took my money for representing me and I got nothing in return. When I requested a refund of my portion of their money spent on political activities, they refused to pay it, even though the law said they must
Your union stats come from a major union - I'm not sure how credible this information is.
Unions were created many years ago to protect workers from unsafe working conditions, and unfair labor practices. The role of the union has been largely replaced by many levels of state and federal laws enacted over the years that were designed to protect all employees. Joining a union would not provide me better working conditions, or any more job protection. In fact, comparing (at our company) compensation and benefits between collectively bargained employees and non-collectively bargained employees, I'll take the non-union compensation and benefits package every day of the week. My job protection comes from consistently doing good work, and I have significant control over the working conditions in which my team and I operate. So I guess that would be a "no", I wouldn't join a union.
I would potentially be interested. It's frustrating to work for a company with 200 employees, net profits last year were $13 million, upper mgmt gets certificates for a free ham at x-mas, the rest of us got a lump of coal (and.....not even a profit sharing contribution).
I was in a union once and would never do it again! Everyone was paid on the same wage scale, no matter what. And once you reached the top of that scale that was it - no more raises. It was amazing to see how the quality of work declined when an employee reached the top of that scale. They realized this was the most they ever going to make and why should they put any more effort into the job? Sure, there was always hope that once a new contract was signed, the company would give us a little something, but it always turned out to be a few pennies. That was my first job and I didn't stay long!
In response to your survey about unions. Not on your life....unions are nothing more than socialist groups that reward mediocrity and rob people of their incentive to achieve more. The only ones that benefit from unions are the workers that cannot succeed on their own merits and of course the union bosses who line their pockets with the hard earned money of the members who actually work for a living. Please do not use my name!
I would not. I would rather work for an employer that I trust and want to participate with as a team member, rather than against as an antagonist. I could not rationalize in my mind the conflict between whether I worked for the union or the employer whose product or service was sold to pay my wages.
No - I wouldn't join a union if I could. Why add more bureaucracy to an otherwise adult relationship between myself and my employer. If I don't like something my employer does, I can try to change it internally or opt to find an employer more to my liking.
I would not join a union.
First of all, I'm too contentious to let someone else negotiate for me, and I'm not a follower by any means. If I'm not satisfied with my working conditions, I speak up - I'm the first person to raise a hand at employee meetings, and I don't pull any punches. I make my own situation better and I pave my own way - I don't need another set of rules to govern my progress.
Secondly, as a DC consultant, I know that the unions often get the short-end of the stick when it comes to retirement benefits. I see far too many plans that don't allow union members to contribute as much as non-union employees, they either get less company match or none at all, they are ineligible for some other company allocations, and they aren't given the same level of consideration. I had a client that actually refused to negotiate for certain benefits with the unions because they rejected a new plan provision that would save the company millions of dollars.
Thirdly, too many initials/acronyms to remember. With every other acronym/nickname rattling around up in my brain, I'd probably wind up saying I'm a member of AAA, CBGB or DVD instead of what the true union name is. How embarrassing would that be?
I would probably not join a union as I know them now. I have no desire to have someone else tell me I have to go on strike or I have to pay union dues or put money in union retirement plans. If I'm not happy with my job or benefits, I have the option of finding another job. I think at one time, there was a need for unions, when employers were so out of control, but I don't feel employers now can be compared to employers in the early union days. I think the harder we make it for employers to offer decent benefits (I'm talking about over-regulation and control by the government), the less employers will be able to do so and ultimately this hurts my job opportunities. It doesn't improve them. If my employer can't stay in business, where are my benefits then?
Join a union - absolutely not!!!! We have two union sites and I am often amazed at some of the things that we have to deal with in the way of grievances or arbitration.
Unfortunately, unions have a duty to protect the bad employees as well as the good ones.
I would not ever want to be in a union.
I feel that many years ago, unions had a purpose to collectively bargain for fair wages and benefits at a reasonable price and to improve working conditions. There are so many different agencies that monitor working conditions and most companies strive to provide reasonable wages and benefits and a reasonable cost to be competitive in their industry.
In order to earn their keep, unions sometimes fight for wages and benefits and do not take into consideration the type of work and the number of people who would do that job at the current wage.
Case in point the recent King Soopers, Albertsons, Safeway issue. The unions were willing to fight for higher wages and less expensive benefits for their employees without taking into consideration that there comes a point where the stores are not profitable or competitive, if stores are not profitable they close, what good is a union contract that pays a larger wage and cheaper benefits if the employee has no job to go to?
As a 16-18 year old I worked in a chain store similar to K Mart as a cashier. They had a mandatory union where I paid union dues that were higher than the 5 cents an hour more than minimum wage that I earned. They had a benefit package identical to a similar chain store near by that had no union. Since I was under my parent's insurance, I never used any benefits. A perfect example of how one does not always receive a benefit from a collective bargaining unit.
I'm not a "joiner" to begin with and in my opinion, unions have outlived their usefulness. In two instances with two different unions in our companies, the union stewards were more interested in their personal gain than that of their union members. In both cases, it resulted in the loss of benefits to their members when we made changes to our 401K provider and vision benefits. I learned that it is not a democratic process and they defy all logic. For the most part, the members don't get much more than non-union workers. While this country needed unions at one time, it no longer is the case given all the federal/state regulations.
The answer would probably change depending on what day you ask. Some days I think we are really progressive to look out for the individual through our child care, health care, and vacation programs and that the point of the union becomes moot. And then there are days when I read in the newspaper about the CEO's big bonus just after learning that the employee raises are limited to a minuscule percentage when I would walk the picket line myself. (For some perspective, my father was a union man and I went to school with assistance of a union scholarship.)
No. I would not want to be forced once again to join a union, where my dues will be used to support radical left-wing, pro-communist political causes instead of actually providing any services to those trapped in union membership. My experience with the Newspaper Guild, now a wholly owned subsidiary of the Communications Workers of America, was that at least $16.00 of each $16.34 deducted from my pay went directly to the Democratic Party; it certainly wasn't spent on supporting the membership against layoffs or on effective collective bargaining. If one protested the political use of the dues, you were offered the "alternative" of having the unspecified portion of the dues "donated" to one of two union fronts also engaged in left-wing politics, instead of refunded as required by federal law.
Absolutely not. (In fact, when I consider what my "second career" might be and feel drawn toward teaching, the union aspect is the one thing that keeps me from considering that for long!) We have unions in several divisions of this company, and while maybe years ago there was a place for them, I don't see that now. I see many situations where the overall pay plus benefits is less than non-union employees, and worst of all, there is no incentive to shine - no recognition of hard work, initiative, stellar performance, etc.
I would only join a union if I had a job where I operated as an independent contractor and worked for many employers over the span of a year, and therefore medical and pension benefits were not available. The Screen Actors Guild or Carpenters Unions come to mind. Unions that represent workers that work at a single employer (United Auto Workers, etc) were a worthwhile idea up until the point in the 20th century when enough Federal employment laws were created to protect employees from serious wage and workplace abuse. Since then they have been only used to blackmail companies for wage and workplace rules that have made American companies uncompetitive in the world marketplace. The fact that the most highly unionized companies are also those most in decline in American is no coincidence.
That being said, there is another direct correlation that is happening and that once again may justify the presence of unions in corporate AmericaAmerica. CEOs have wrested control of existing American companies and are stealing from shareholders. The only counter-balance to excessive pay is their own shame, and that seems to have been tossed aside by greed. It is sad, but the reality is that no one is in a position to stop them. The greedy CEOs make Ralph Nader look like he was right all along and that is a scary thing!!
I think unions definitely had their place when America was young and growing and workers were expected to work long hours with safety risks and minimal, if any benefits. As the unions grew more powerful, its seems they became more corrupt and also played a part in pricing America right out of business. Its one thing to protect workers rights……its another to be downright greedy. Take a look at the steel industry - my grandfather who had an eight grade education made more money than those with 4+ years of college and he also had 13 weeks of vacation. How did the unions expect the steel industry to keep up with those types of benefits and pay? We all know the rest of the story. How about teachers who perform poorly and are entrusted with America's future but can't be fired because of "tenure"? That's ridiculous.
I think if the DOL has the right rules in place and good enforcement, unions aren't needed.
NO - my perception of unions is quite negative, from both the management and from the employee view point. For examples look at General Motors, the American Airlines, Amtrak and the Federal Government - I'm not saying unions are all of the problems with these companies, but they are a large part of them.
For example currently the GM plant in Arlington TX is shutting down for 3 weeks because their SUV sales are down, the good side for the employees is they will receive 95% of their pay during the shutdown. But from the management stand point how much can the company save when one of the major costs is still continuing despite the shutdown? Not to mention that the costs of their health insurance for current and retirees and the defined benefit plans are pushing them to the edge of bankruptcy. When I toured the plant I could see several jobs that could easily be automated to save money, but I feel sure the unions have "protected" these jobs.
From the employee view point I resent equal treatment and pay for employees who do not have the same levels of performance and/or commitment. When you are a member of the union, I assume, it is very easy to want to accept all the union can offer, and I understand the need many years ago for unions. But my opinion is that unions are so self focused, ok I'll say it greedy, they loose sight of the fact if the company is forced out of business by the demands of the union no body wins. I also feel that unions are one of the major reasons why jobs are going overseas because companies cannot afford to pay double or triple the wages (of the average blue collar employee in the US) plus heath care, a DB plan, etc. and then sell their goods or services to compete at Wal-Mart prices.
I would not join a union under any circumstance. What this country desperately needs is to unify not divide. I think if the next question was asked in the survey as to why they would join you would hear responses such as the typical it's we against them, I want somebody to take care of me, I'm not appreciated on and on.
As a Teamster growing up and going through college, my impression of the union was that it protected the sub standard worker not the average to above average worker. The sub standard worker always negatively affected morale, productivity, etc.
Let's take an auto worker. He gets practically all his health care paid for. He gets 90% voluntary lay off pay. Who in their right mind in the 21 st century would run their business like this?
Government workers, the fastest growing segment of union growth.
Government workers are a drain on the system. Companies must pay higher taxes in order to feed this growing monster. It is estimated that 40-50% of all government money is wasted. Once again who would run a business this inefficient? Companies could train their people, buy the latest technology, etc. if they did not have to deal with Sarbanes-Oxley and other government regulation.
We have to get the entitlement mentality out of our heads and as a way of life. We are living in an ownership society, When the American worker decides to take ownership in what he does and personal responsibility for their work than maybe we will not need unions because we would all be on the same team.
I could go on and on but I must get back to work.
Join a union?
Absolutely not! I have witnessed the selfish dismantling of US heavy industries wrought by unions who didn't care if businesses closed their doors - so they did. Some unions have exacted such a huge financial toll so as to make American manufacturing patently non-competitive with worldwide competitors. Each time a company shows the excessive costs attributable to employee benefits compared to competitors, the unions only want more. No, I believe unions have outlived their usefulness in today's arena as they do not palpably provide anything of added value to anyone but their own management. If jobs are indeed being exported to "low cost providers" one can thank the union for that too - not blame business, government or computers. Unions have managed to negotiate the price for many jobs to a level well in excess of the intrinsic value of that job. That practice is unhealthy and unnatural in a "free-market" scheme of things.
Finally, the union mantra of a "living wage" (born of socialism) is so sad and tired and wrong I won't waste time on it.
Just one man's opinion (rant) but you asked!
I would join but before I do it, I believe they are in need of major overhaul. Similar to the country music movement, that over the last 5 years has changed its image of cowboy boots and hats, and incorporated more of a rock & Roll image (Think Shania Twain' s tight jeans and hair vs. Dolly Parton's er… ). Though the Unions' overhaul needs to be more fundamental.
By the way, my views on the Unions are very similar to my views on the church and Catholicism (need a fundamental overhaul).
Yes, I would join a union if it was available at my employer. I feel that unions serve an important role in America. Unionization of workers benefits not only its membership, but helps to preserve the "American work ethic" that helped build this country. In a time when jobs are being moved oversees at an ever-growing rate, we must strive to maintain and grow the union membership in order to help keep these important jobs here in America. Unions are like the forest of the land, as they help to prevent the erosion of our jobs to other countries.
The short answer is no. We do not have the environment that existed at the time of the labor union movement's start in this country (see Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle"). What we do have is an increase in the availability of information to the individual to allow for informed decisions regarding employment. This provides the average worker, NOT LABORER, with at least as much information as management; and information is power. As to the question of deception by management, would a unionized workforce at Enron, or WorldCom, or Tyco, have been effective in preventing the abuses to employees? I think not. Ergo, no valid function for unions today. Good survey question. I'll look forward to responses.
It is frowned on very highly to speak this word at my place of employment.
I feel for a period of time "U's" had gotten to the point that they were no longer being managed to benefit the worker and thus resulted in their decline...however, in recent years it appears they have had a make over and they are now getting back to their 'grass roots' so to speak...and that is to speak and work for the best available benefits (monetary or non-monetary) for the day to day worker trying to make a living..
My vote would be 'yes'
If I worked for a company that treated its employees badly, I would join a union. When unions first came into existence, they were needed. They brought safer working conditions and better pay to the average worker. If companies would police themselves, treat their employees well, pay fairly, and play nice, we would not need unions. I think the treatment of workers is going downhill fast, and that is why unions are increasing in numbers again. Think about Wal-Mart making their employees work "off the clock", or locking them in so they can't leave. What about Tuesday Morning telling their employees they must clock out for lunch, but not leave the property for any reason? These are companies that need unions to clean up the mess their bad managers are making.
Absolutely NOT! The time for unions has passed. I've never been a union member, but for the people I know who are, their union doesn't represent them philosophically, politically, nor in the workplace. They are union members only because they have to join to hold the job, and they are required to pay dues they resent paying.
I can't say whether I would join a union or not. I would have to weigh the benefits the union would provide compared to the benefits my employer provides now vs. the cost to me. I would definitely need to be sold on the union concept.
Have never been a fan of unions. I have often said that the reason our country has the economic issues we have is because of unions. 30-40 years ago union worked to raise wages thus in turn the company had to raise prices and the vicious cycle began. Unions had a place in the 1920's and maybe even during the Depression, but they outlived their usefulness after that.
But things have changed in today's economy. With the business climate we have today of plant closings and customer service positions being shipped overseas for cheaper labor maybe unions should be considered. Unions mentality would need to be overhauled to be less concerned about wages (how they make their money) and benefits and more concerned as to job protection for their members. They would need to learn to work with businesses on a partnership basis and not an opposing side.
So, I am not sure if I would join one, but I certainly don't want my job sent overseas or want to see my coworkers in that position. If unions could find a way to work with businesses to reduce expenses and be protective of jobs then there may be a place for them today.
No way would I ever join a union.
Many years ago when I worked in retail sector the possibility arose. Since I didn't want to work at a union shop (even that my pay would have been higher plus extra for Sunday shift), I took a position at another retailer. All I ever heard was complaints from the other place's union workers (since pay and extra shift costs were higher there were less people to do the work) and it was such a downer even trying to shop there, while our store was friendly and everyone cooperated in doing the work since we didn't have to worry about union rules.
I do think unions were needed at one time due to the horrible working conditions workers had a century ago, but with today's safety oversight and competitive market, I thinks the U.S. would be better without unions.
While I do believe that we enjoy many of the employee rights we have today because of unions, I would not choose to join a union, preferring to sink or swim on my own merits.
No. I think unions developed out of the need to protect the labor folks who worked like heck in the 1920's and received little compensation, benefits or job safety. As an office worker, I'm comfortable asking senior management for improvements in working conditions when necessary.
Nope, would never join one. Of course, I've never been in a position where it was an option.
Sorry I missed your deadline! Didn't have time to read until now - but here's my 2 cents.
I work for this insurance broker and I have never been part of their medical plan. The employees' insurance cost is out of sight, not to mention the deductibles! I don't know how the average worker gets by. It's embarrassing.
I have been on my husband's union medical insurance plan and it is fabulous. The coverage is so much better. We are paying less for medical/dental/vision with very low deductibles, than my co-workers, who do not even get vision.
There is something to be said for union workers getting better wages, health care, pension. (Businesses don't seem to be hurting at all, whether they have union workers or not. I saw a report that showed that corporations were paying income taxes up to 40% in the 1940's, and now the majority is paying 16 %.)
My husband worked in a union for 30 years -- started out at $13.50/hour in 1972 and just before retiring was making $19.50/hour. To say the least, I'm not a huge fan of unions -- the dues went up, coverages went down (health care, vision, dental, etc.) While the unions fought for and won increases, 75% of the increase went to the union and not to the worker. At one time, unions were a good thing but I believe our government (with OSHA, ERISA, state programs, etc.) has stepped in to some of the roles unions played --for workers.
Would join a union if the choice was available to me. Union members tend to have higher pay and lower health insurance costs, as well as benefits such as a credit union. At prior jobs, I have been a victim of a bad manager making poor decisions with regard to performance appraisals and compensation reviews (there was no appeal process), and I was downsized out of my last job. So the greater job security is attractive, as is a structure to fall back on in cases of questionable personnel decisions. I have several family members who are unionized, and they have a much better situation than a non-union person could get in a comparable situation.
Plus, the unionized road crews sleeping in their trucks while traffic crawls, seem to have it good.
No because I've been taught all my life to give 100% on the job. Don't let the company take advantage of you but treat it right and they, usually, will treat you right. Once you have a contract, it's etched in stone and difficult to change. Throughout the year, we provide for better benefits for our non-union employees. I've also experienced, the last 27 years of my career, union employees who hide behind the union to get out of work and are damn proud of that.
Absolutely Not! Unions had their purpose a long time ago when people were working long hours in less than good conditions. But, as my personal experience shows, both from a union employee and as part of management who worked hard to keep unions out of our workplace, the only thing unions get you today is the same level of benefits and pay with having to pay union dues on top of it!
I personally would not join the union. Over half of my company's workforce is unionized. There are occasions, however, in which I can see why employees would have wanted to join.
If Corporate America would stop practicing the Kleenex Method of Human Resources (use the employee, then throw him/her out) unionization among exempt workers wouldn't be a consideration. Corporate America expects loyalty, but doesn't provide any. Since I work in a Kleenex environment, I would join a union, in a heartbeat. Employees in, so called "white collar" positions, like mine are the most at risk. We have no protection. I'm surprised that unions, under other names, such as Advocacy Groups haven't surfaced for exempt employees already.