Unionize or non-union, what would you do at your work place?

**disneysteve** · 03-29-2021, 06:12 PM

I know this can be an extremely polarizing topic so please keep things civil and respectful.

**LivingAlmostLarge** · 03-29-2021, 10:31 PM

Union though i've never been part of one. Just think it helps workers.

**Captain Save** · 03-30-2021, 06:47 AM

Originally posted by QuarterMillionMan View Post

Lifelong union member here (formerly plumbers union member in Hawaii, and formerly HGEA (Hawaii government employees association, currently SEIU union member California). Happily I will pay the union dues for the collective bargaining process compared to bargaining on my own. Amazon workers in Alabama are currently voting on unionizing but I don't know the details. What say people here on your opinions of unionization? Union or non-union?

I understand why plumbers would unionize .. electricians etc.. it's a union of a profession ..

I don't get the point of single company unions .. so you're telling me Amazon will have all these obligations to their workers .. but Walmart doesn't .. that's a clear advantage to Walmart or any Amazon competitors to undercut them..

**ua_guy** · 03-30-2021, 07:01 AM

I've worked for union shops in the past, as well as non-union. Unions have their purpose, both historical and present. They also have their dysfunctions, just as the free market is full of dysfunction too. I absolutely support unions in lower wage positions. The free market will have to deal with workers trying to better their situation and increase their power as a labor force, and forming unions is a great way to do that.

**Like2Plan** · 03-30-2021, 09:41 AM

Did they vote yes?

**bjl584** · 03-30-2021, 06:10 PM

I've never worked for a Union.
My dad did however, and he wasn't too thrilled with his.
He often complained that the Union was a business like any other and was more interested in collecting dues than helping the workers.
He also complained that the Union would bring everyone to the center. High achievers and slackers all got the same pay. Hard workers had to make up for those not willing to pull their weight. There was no real incentive to try too hard in that environment.

I'd assume that not everyone's experience is like the above.
But, that is the only one that I have any knowledge of.
Sounded like a negative work experience to me.

**kork13** · 03-30-2021, 06:39 PM

I've never personally worked in a union, now even really worked in proximity to one. I do remember that my mother refused to be a part of her teacher's union, but I don't really know why.... Only indications I had from her was that somehow it was intrusive & more trouble than benefit. I've also had to work with a union rep briefly while conducting a misconduct investigation into a USAF civilian employee, but they seemed primarily intent on making sure the guy got a fair shake, in accordance with their union contract (in spite of the union status, he was eventually fired based on my findings).

In general, I'm okay with the idea of a union, to the extent that the union doesn't wield it's power against a company for the sake of "sticking it to the man." But to provide individuals with the benefit of collective bargaining for insurance, contract/benefits negotiation, and legal representation (for example), a union can be valuable to its members.

I do wish that unions (and churches too, for that matter) would mostly butt out of politics and stay in their lane -- if the union bosses feel so strongly about a political issue, the can participate in a PAC. Union dues (and church tithes) should not be used to support political parties, candidates, or agendas (unless the specific issue clearly & directly relates to the collective interests of its members). I also strongly disagree with the not uncommon practice of union membership being required as a condition of employment -- union membership should always be a choice.

Unionize or non-union, what would you do at your work place?