What are the benefits and drawbacks of joining a union?

Question

What are the good things?
What are the bad things?

Answer 1

I'm interpreting your question as to the benefits and drawbacks of working in a unionized place, not the act of joining or not joining, if you work in a place that already has a union. Legally, at least in the US, you never have to "join" the union, but you can be required to pay dues.

I think the main benefit to having a union is that you have a contract that contains negotiated terms and conditions of employment, that cannot be unilaterally changed by management. This brings with it protections against (most) arbitrary decisions and actions by management. Also, there is strength in numbers, and you have a greater voice when you speak collectively.

Second, assuming there is a 'just cause' provision in the contract, you have protections against unjust discipline or discharge.

Third, in the event of a dispute, most union contracts have a provision for a grievance procedure, with binding arbitration as the final step. In a non-union world, if there is a problem to be addressed, it's usually you (the worker) and your boss, and maybe the next higher-level boss, and someone from Human Resources. Sometimes the H/R person is really on the ball, and knows how to balance the interests of the boss and the employee, and act as an advocate for the employee to the extent that is necessary. Sadly, that is the exception. Most HR people, whether in a union or non-union shop, see their role as supporting line (operating) management, and that sometimes (often?) means giving the employee the short end of the stick. I've seen it happen over and over. So having a union rep. with you in these kinds of "meetings to discuss your problem" can be exceptionably valuable. Why? Simply because the union rep does not work for the Company, so he has little or no vested interest in 'getting along' with management. He is free to advocate your interests as strongly as he thinks is prudent. Knowing this, the Company is far less likely to try to railroad you, in the event of any dispute.

Some of the previous answers have touched on the idea that a union contract protects slack employees as well as average and good ones. I have 2 comments about that.

First, that deal has limited value. A union probably can protect a poor performer for a little while, but if poor performance continues, that person eventually will be gone, union or not. The term "just cause" does NOT mean you cannot be fired, and trust me, many workers are fired for a sufficient reason.

Second, I have seen marginal workers in a non-union work place keep their jobs because of non-merit reasons. Maybe they befriend the boss (like by helping the boss's kid in school) or maybe the boss is the type who likes to be perceived as a nice person, and is therefore loathe to discipline or fire anyone.

Downside to a union? Well, obviously you have to pay dues, and sometimes an initiation fee, and sometimes assessments along the way. Most members do not pay enough attention to where their money goes, and this can help create an environment of corruption within the union leadership, which of course is very bad, as it gives all unions a bad name. Second, while some unions permit individual negotiation of pay above the union minimum, such as in sports and movie acting, under most union contracts, you cannot negotiate directly with management for higher pay for yourself. Some people would see this as a negative, but I'm not sure the average person would.

Another downside is that unions are run on a majority rule concept. Sometimes the majority simply isn't right.

I hope this helps, and I apologize for the answer being way too long.

Answer 2

Good- Usually a little more money (but that might not cover bad item 1), Some Job Security(or better, depending on the job), having legal support should something illegal happen to you, sometimes a sense of common good with the other union members

Bad- having to pay a size-able chunk of money for the fees, inability to negotiate your own working conditions and contracts, some unions are becoming corrupt, like the NEA, if things are going bad for the company, they may just lay everyone off and restaff because firing only one or two of the unionized workers can be risky and expensive if the workers try to fight it in the courts.

Answer 3

i live in Kansas (right to work state) so there isn't much difference except union strength. My uncle works in Missouri and if you don't join after a set amount of time you Will be let go or fired.

some people argue that unions drive jobs over seas. let do the math an average Asian worker make $0.10-$0.31 a skilled job may only pay $1.00 an hour even on minimum wage with no benefits it would still benefit a company to move over seas rather than staying hear.


for my experience unions can be good or bad it really depends on who is running or who you president and vice president are. they bring higher wages better benefits workers protection. in my job lay off go by seniority, you can bid on jobs that are open that also goes by seniority, they cant just fire you for no reason ect ect.

Answer 4

That depends on what kind of work ethic you have. If you have a good work ethic, unions can be very frustrating because you often have to pick up the slack for workers who can't get fired but do less than a fair day's work. In my opinion, they drive up the cost of products and create a socialistic attitude among the ranks which makes for a bunch of lazy "want something for nothing" work force. Sorry, can't think of any good things since there are so many labor laws that already protect all workers in this country from unfair treatment.

Answer 5

Good - You don't get fired very easily and you are paid a lot of money.
Bad- other union members who are bad workers also don't get fired easily and they get paid a lot of money to. Unions can cause companies to spend too much money on workers and then the companies go overseas for cheaper labor. They can also cause financial hardships for companies and companies that are already in trouble have to get union approval before making cuts. This can lead to bankruptcy and everyone losing their jobs.

Answer 6

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RE :What are the benefits and drawbacks of joining a union?
What are the good things?
What are the bad things?
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Answer 7

A benefit is that it's hard to fire someone unjustly.
A drawback is that it's hard to fire that deadbeat that's making your group look bad