do you think the union movement will stumble or thrive in the years ahead?

Question

Do unions still have a role to play? Why/why not?

Answer 1

For many years private sector union membership has been falling. The only sector where union membership is growing is for public employees. As I understand it the teachers union is now the largest union in the country. So I would say unions in the private sector are toast. They might last 3 to 5 years longer but that is about it. The companies that are sticking with the uniions are being put out of business by non-union competitors for example the old U.S. automobile companies are just about done. Ford had a very bad year last year. Chrysler is owned by Mercedes and is struggling. While Nissan and Toyota have built plants in the U.S. and are still growing.

Unions still have a role to play and could gain ground if they changed their tactics. Trade unions have always offered the highest skilled and efficient labor and many trade unions still do quite well. If unions could provide a qualified productive labor force, instead of stupid non-productive work rules that protect non-productive workers, companies would be begging for the union to provide the labor force.

Answer 2

I think it depends on who wins the next elextions and how involved the members get with the people they do elect. Ignorance and neglect are their worst enemies.