would you join a union at your work if you had the chance?

Question

Unions throughout history have played a major role in keeping some sort of equality in wages between the rich and middle class. Unions are the reason we have a middle class, as unions shrink so does the middle class. Below is part of an article by Henry Paulson, the Treasury secretary.
"But it seems likely that government policies have played a big role in America's growing economic polarization -- not just easily measured policies like tax rates for the rich and the level of the minimum wage, but things like the shift in Labor Department policy from protection of worker rights to tacit support for union-busting" - Full Article URL: http://www.nytimes.com

Answer 1

I am already in a Union (IAMAW), but I do believe that the political party that is in the majority at the time has a huge effect on the equality in wages and benefits between the rich and the middle class. You only have to look at the current administration to prove this point. They are trying so hard to privatize social security, which will put the average workers retirement at risk, and only benefit Wall Street. They are making laws that allow businesses to easily go into chapter 11 and decimate workers pensions, while at the same time, making it more difficult for the average person to claim bankruptcy. It goes on and on.....

Answer 2

There was a time when unions forced society to make some very important improvements for workers and conditions on the job, and it was absolutely necessary. This I applaud wholeheartedly.

But I feel these days that more unions then not are just out for themselves. I've seen first hand the infighting and violence that can happen leading up to and during a strike, caused by a group mentality that reduces human life to little more than "You're either with us, or against us" (sounds scarily familiar, doesn't it?). When unions stopped caring about the humanity of the members they are meant to protect, I gave up on unions.

If not for the aggressive, stubborn and faulty leadership of the union involved, Nine men who just needed to work might not have died in Yellowknife in 1992.

Answer 3

I was part of the teachers' union in Ontario for years, although with mixed results. I found the steward to be less than helpful on a few occasions as have some of my other friends who were in that particular union. On the whole however I think unions have an important role to play in business. They keep the big bosses from overworking the employees or treating them badly.

Answer 4

It actually depends on the union. The place where I did work I did not join the union (it was the post office, so it was optional). I had no problems with the national group, but the local only catered to a little clique of members.
I currently work for a fire department. I joined the union, and have been quite happy with it. In fact, our steward recently resigned and I'm currently being considered to be his replacement.

Answer 5

Never again. I had to sign up with the union at my last job. They did nothing to "help" me, and just took $75 out of each pay check for dues. Since I worked at a Catholic hospital, I could opt out of the union but only if I sent the dues money to a charity approved by the union. Unions were a good thing when they were begun, but they have become a millstone.

Answer 6

Oh, of Course!!! In fact i did. I've been a member of the International Association of Machinists and areospace workers for bout 5 years now. Union bennifit not only union members but workers as a whole. The fight for general political causes like minumum wages and workplace safety causes.

Answer 7

I did, and I would again. My union protects my rights when my manager is being unfair. There is a contract that must be adhered to, and employee protections are much greater with a unionized shop than without.

Answer 8

Of course I would join a union. Unions are always more powerful than individual people. It is ridiculous not to.

Answer 9

not in this day & time....the Unions have not come out to protect their members against the illegals taking their jobs! One of the "chants" by protesting illegals was about breaking the unions! Why aren't the unions protecting American jobs?

Answer 10

Nope, I have always worked for non union companies and have made more money and had more opportunities for advancement. I've never seen anyone ever thrive in a union environment except the union leaders.