I have worked for both and the non union company treated alot better then the union company does. I believe the union makes it so the management resents us and they seem to want to push as far as they can where the non union company the management knew if you treat your people right they will work harder for you. (Linework)
2007-03-21 15:55:07 · 6 answers · asked by sean s 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
When I grew up in the 60s and 70s, my dad was a union shop steward. He once told me "only companies who deserve unions get unions."
I am in HR today for a very large employer, we treat our employees well, and there isn't a union around.
I do believe that unions were needed back 30+ years ago when there wasnt the employer protection laws that are in place today (FMLA, overtime, etc.) Today, there are laws in place that help create a more reasonable environment. Besides, the main industries today that still have unions (airlines, auto) are pretty much in shambles.....
My advice to all: If you have a crappy employer, then leave. There are tons of good companies out there--find one where you feel good about the contributions you make and the way you are treated in kind.
2007-03-21 16:02:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
I've worked for both and both are good.
As a union steward, I enable the employer to 'play by the rules' and help protect employees from unreasonable, arbitrary, and discriminatory treatment. It is not in my interest to defend incompetent employees, as I have to work with them and ultimately depend on their capability.
As a non-union employee, the quality of my work was less important than my relationship with the employer. In severl positions, I got along well with the boss and the situation was good. In one there was a communication problem and it did not work out. A good union representative might have been able to sort it out, but without any representation I just had to take the hit.
2007-03-21 17:47:04 · answer #2 · answered by Eclectic_N 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A lot of this depends on the company you work for, but in general I'd agree with your instincts. Whenever you set people up to "take sides", they will, and then they become antagonistic.
Non-union companies have incentive to stay that way (besides management vs. labor issues there is generally more bureaucracy in a union shop and more rules in general, plus the required pay levels are not competitive on a global basis.) So, in many cases that is an incentive to treat employees better and respond to their concerns.
Responding to employee concerns in a union shop is a laborious process because there are so many levels that a grievance needs to go through to be addressed. And, there is a certain "we're going to get our money's worth out of these folks" mentality that develops in many cases as well.
2007-03-21 16:00:36 · answer #3 · answered by Mel 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My husband is an engineer for Union Pacific. You CAN'T work for them in this capacity without being a member of the union.
As much as I hate the fact that the union is constantly caving into the company (like they REALLY need to steal his short crew pay!! COME ON!)
BUT....without the union, he would be paid minimum wage and wouldn't have the protection to keep his job secure.
All in all.....this country was built on unions...
2007-03-21 18:14:10 · answer #4 · answered by Sheree H 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is because of Unions that americans have the benefits & our country has the labor laws that are in place today. If the unions were to fade away, so would the benefits that we as americans enjoy today.
2007-03-23 16:34:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
I have only ever had 1 union job. My personal experience is that the union prevented the company from firing lazy, incompetent employees. It did nothing for those of us that were there to work and earn our money.
2007-03-21 16:05:13 · answer #6 · answered by D-Train 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋