Are you for or against unionized labor? Do you think it would help us with a standardized living wage?

Question

I'm talking about the US. thanks.

Answer 1

The simple existence of unions helps all workers. Even if you don't belong to one, the reason you get benefits is because of the labor movement. Employers would never pay you to stay home, as in vacation and sick leave and holidays. Companies are interested in the bottom line: maximum profit. Therefore employees are just another overhead expense, like the electric bill. What does the company get from you when you're on vacation? Without unions, or the fear that workers might organize, employers would get away with much more than they do already. Imagine everyone fending for themselves on the job. You might make half as much as the person working next to you doing the same job. You could be fired for refusing to do something dangerous, or on a whim. If you get hurt on the job, laws fought for by unions protect you. Companies do not give workers benefits, raises and safe working conditions because they're nice people. They do it because they have to. And only about 15% of the workforce belong to a union.

Answer 2

Labor unions played a big and beneficial role 50 + years ago. However, today their demands are excessive and unreasonable. Look at the Ford Motor Company - it is on the brink of bankruptcy and the union is demanding that laid off workers receive full pay and benefits.

Don't concern yourself with a "standardized living wage". Get an education or advanced training - then seek out the higher paying jobs - don't settle for standardized living.

Answer 3

What do you mean by "help us with a standardized living wage".

We have a minimum wage in the U.S.

We have lot of unionized labor in the U.S.

I don't think it is a matter of being "for" or "against" it. A union is a group of people that decide to group together to negotiate with the employer. If people want to do that, who would forbid it?

The problem comes, as usual, when the government gets involved and we get laws that favor or disfavor people who are or aren't in unions.

MY OPINION: The laws in the U.S. at this time unfairly favor unionized labor. We would have a freer markey, and an overall higher standard of living if our laws were union neutral.

Answer 4

For it 100%.
Unions foster a collective sense of solidarity and power by organizing from the ground up at the workplace or community level.
It is a defiant message of standing up for what you believe in.

Populations are hard pressed when the prices of goods rise relative to the price of labor, because this makes it impossible for the population to maintain its standard of living.

The US economy has been kept alive by low interest rates, which fueled a real estate boom. Consumers have kept growth alive by refinancing their home mortgages and spending the equity in their houses. Their indebtedness has risen.

The only way a living wage wiill be standardized, in my opinion, is through some sort of collective action ie unions.

We need to support those who have been bold enough to demand such gains for workers.

I support even the most flawwed unions. I feel that it is better to fix the situation than to allow it to be broken forever. We need to hold on to what we got... and I ain't just singing Bon Jovi lyrics here.

watch Salt of the Earth... great flik.

thats all i can offer today. peace.

Answer 5

Unionized labor is only as good as its union. A union that protects its workers could get anything accomplished. However, many unions simply collect their dues and then roll over and play dead. Example: I worked at Wal-mart for 2 1/2 years. I made $9.80/hr when I left, and paid less than $20 every other week for insurance. My mom will be celebrating her 10th anniversary at Meijer, Wal-mart's biggest competition around here(MI), in September. She makes $9.85/hr and pays about $100/wk for insurance, plus she pays union dues. I stocked, she's the primary receiver. What's wrong with this picture?! (Just FYI: The lowest paid position at Wal-mart starts at $7/hr...at Meijer it's minimum wage--$5.15)

Answer 6

Yes, is sounds to me like a great idea for the Country to have Standardized living wage increases for all workers.

I would also suggest that owners who have profited in record increases should pay back the government the amount of the tax cuts they received in the last five years.

Answer 7

I completely support unions. They help to get you health insurance, benifits, holidays off, help you if your job is in question, and many other really good things. STAY AWAY FROM WALMART!!

Answer 8

I'm for it. I think someone who has their hands lopped of by a machine deserves compensation, as opposed to being fired. But there I go again, being a commie Liberal, thinking about others.

Answer 9

Unions have outlived their usefulness.

Answer 10

well what do you see?