MLM Directory - Are unions demonized these days?

Are unions demonized these days?

Aren't they good for America because they encourage workers to use their own labor as a free market bargaining tool to negotiate health and safety standards, fair hours and wages (so they don't have to depend on tax payer money like a lot of Wal-Mart workers who don't have their right to unionize), and other rights that third world countries don't have? Just because our corrupt governments made outsourcing easy (yet the corporations still get all the tax payer benefits of corporations that stay in the US) and other countries treat their workers badly, does that mean we should follow and take the low road too? Should we focus on incentives for not outsourcing instead (and disincentives for those who outsource) instead? No it's not, that's just propaganda and an excuse to get rid of decent wages and benefits! In fact, American labor has gotten so cheap that even Japan outsources some on their labor (of Toyotas and other cars) right here in the US! Not true again--when unions were broken up in the meat packing industry, illegal immigrant workers were then employed bringing wages down drastically; and it also made the job harzardous and deadly when it used to be safe. I don't want to bail them out either. The bailouts won't help workers just like they didn't help borrowers and homeowners (they're left on their own, unlike the corporations). They could have helped if the bailout was conditional (that they'll only get helped if they also agree to spread out the payments of their borrowers as well). But they got to have their handout without any sacrifice to their profits.

Public Comments

have you heard about the crisis in the auto industry? it is 100% the fault of unions Unions are for people too weak to speak for themselves " thats just propaganda" No it isnt They overpaid people for the job they did. Just look at California grocery stores where a person with no skills can make 20 dollars an hour for scanning groceries.
Yes. I don't understand why an acceptable action for US companies to go abroad with no recourse from the government. (But then again Cheney did move Halliburton to Dubai). Somehow much of the working class has been fooled to side with the elite 1% in the name of the working class. And the UAW was not the reason behind the failure of the US auto industry. I would blame poor decision making on the part of the high level management.
How many union jobs went away because of greedy union thugs
Unions served a good and useful purpose in the past. Today they do more harm to their members and the industries than good. If you join a union, you are basically paying someone to tell you when not to work. I remember a few years ago when some union in California had their people strike because the grocery store baggers were going to be charged a 15 dollar copay on their health insurance. Insane. I would kill to have a 15 dollar copay. It's idiocy like that that has turned people away from the unions. That and the fact that many times unions have priced themselves out of jobs by demanding wages that were so high the owner(s) of companies have closed down the factories because it was cheaper. *EDIT* Japan does not outsource to the United States because of labor cost's. They open auto factories here because of the tariffs. Also, go to a Honda or Toyota plant, not a single union worker in the bunch. I know because I deliver to them all the time.
Yes. And rightfully so. I remember back in the 70's, they kept building COLA's into their contracts anticipating upward inflation, which fed inflation. It was a spiral that so wrecked the economy that it contributed to the tremendous inflation of the late 70's. Its what drove Chrysler nearly into bankruptcy early on. These days, you can use your bargaining power to negotiate health and safety standards. Its called voting. Congress has passed more laws for health, safety and labor standards than ever could've been dreamed of by the union organizers a hundred years ago.
The labor force in this country is pegged for servitude by the Globalist . The aim is for a Fascist Serfdom for the people . To arms to arms people ?
Yes. I'm firmly in favor of unions yet I don't want to bail out the auto industry.That a company is unionized doesn't mean it gets to be an evergreen.
Being a member of a union, you're benefits have no bearing on your talents, skill or anything to do with you as an individual, its as a group. Beside the higher wage you get, just goes to the union. Sorry, I used to be a member of a union, it's definitely better to be rewarded for your accomplishments, rather than a strong-arming union steward.
It's a mess. I'm against the auto company bailout and think they should renegotiate in chapter 11 but that isn't because I wish the unions badly, I just don't think I should have to pay for their benefits or the company's mismanagement except at the time I buy a car.
Check out this leaked info guys you need to here this its dire!
what do you need a union for these days? safety? no pay? no not rly..wages are prety high... and less because of the economy.. any undue pressure from the union would likey just cause lay-offs and that is exactly what is happening. in some cases you might want a union...but for most you dont. also they take money out of your paycheck.. and you have little to no input into how the union operates.
These days there are good and bad in unions. I am a union member right now and have been a member of 3 unions for the 30+ years I've been working. The bad is that unions can protect bad employees to the point that they cannot get rid of them. The good is that many companies (IE: CEO's) are corrupt and treat employees very badly if they can save a nickel. Just look at the hundreds of companies that are currently having major financial problems right now. No reasonable person can blame those issues anywhere but on the corporate heads MOST OF ALL! Yes I know there are other reasons but executives are a different breed - they serve on each others boards and thus give each other raises & GOLDEN PARACHUTES that no other employee gets. If a CEO can take home 500 times what a regular employee makes then that company needs a union to take that CEO down a notch.
unions is number the greater the number the stronger the power. and power is like riding a horse if you can't steer or handle them then correctly as it supposed to be i guess sorry your day is numbered
Yes, and much of what you say is true. I watched a woman on cspan the other day take calls in regards to global economy. She couldn't make the connection of lower standard of living here as a result of some of the economical changes due to this globalization. She continued to beat a dead horse. I think it's reasonable for Americans to expect a decent wage. I don't agree however that unions are the sole answer and maybe not the answer.Unions demand something from someone who hired the workers to help make his/her business successful. If employees are not happy with a particular employer, they need to move on. They offer schooling today for disgruntled and misplaced workers at the drop of the hat. Anyone could find success if they truly work for it. This country is still the greatest opportunity. I use to belong to two different unions and had no hard feelings toward them, until recently when they lobbied our state government to force property owners to have intrusive inspections when building your own home. We can't do our own plumbing now and we are on a slippery slope. Soon the property owner won't be able do build his/her own home. I don't like it. American made products are some of the best and we could self sustain I think by making sure our living standard here comes first in these trade deals and if it means a certain amount of isolationism then so be it. This giant sucking sound Ross Perot warned of 16 years ago has come to pass.