A question about unions, for all of you union supporters...?

Question

http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUKN1926311120070919?rpc=44

You see things like this all of the time. A comapny sees some success, and suddenly, the workers aren't getting a fair deal. They are worth more. They want to share in the profits.

OK.

But on the flip side, what about when business suffers? Do workers feel that their labor is now worth less? Are the unions willing to take cuts in pay, and share in the misfortune of their employer?

This question is obviously slightly rhetorical in nature, as unions are indeed very quick to demand raises, but very slow to cede anything.

I suppose my primary question is directed to union supporters. How do you justify this apparent double standard?

Answer 1

Unions are the reason jobs have and continue to go overseas!~!

Answer 2

Were American Industries suffereing in the 1950s and 60s when Unions rights were scrupilously watched? Most Americans want to be in Unions and few have the opportunity today. Our productivity is up, and we take less of the pie, while CEOs make thousands of times more than they did in the 50s and 60s. (America's golden age economically speaking)
If we have Tariffs, as we should (The Federal government was almost entirely run by Tariffs alone up into the 1st World War) and people are paid well, as they should be, then this isn't a problem, because all Industries start on an even footing. Free-Trade promotes only the most sociopathic industries, something no economic system should do.
Do you know, 40% of people who had to go to food banks for food last year were employed. That means we're working, and not getting even enough to eat! That's immoral.

Answer 3

well, I wasn't a union supporter, but right now, with GM, there are talks going on, and I can tell you that the union agreed to take over the healthcare for retirees plan (BILLIONS of dollars) WEEKS ago, but GM has not come back with anything to offer them. Now tell me, if I am asked to pay for my own healthcare now, where it was provided before, and I am doing this to keep the business from going under, shouldn't I be guaranteed that they will not ship my job overseas in the next few years? You can't just ask the workers to make concessions, and not give them any reason to do so. It is an investment, and they have a right to know what their return might be. Understand, I am not 'for unions' and understand thier part in the destruction of our economy. But I am not too stupid to know that outsorcing jobs is a HUGE part of that downfall as well. Everyone needs to be represented, and the UAW has done it's part. The ball is in GM's court, and mind you...everyone is still at work, WITHOUT contracts (which means their pay for their work isn't even guaranteed at this point). What else is the worker supposed to do?

Answer 4

Ummm, did anyone else notice that article is about a situation in Peru? Apples & Oranges, folks. Completely different laws governing Unions, Employers, & Safety in a Completely different country!

Many of the Craft Unions have given up a lot of things since the days of a strong economy & strong unions. They realize the welfare of their contractors affects them and their members. Unions & their contractors work together to come up with a mutually beneficial CBA. A lot (if not all) of the Craft Unions provide their own training, testing, certification, and they take on the costs of the administration of the Health Insurance & Pension funds.

Answer 5

3 communities despise unions.; a million companies 2 jealous non-union decrease than-paid over-labored people 3 idiots who've bought the anti-union public kin smear marketing campaign for the final 30+ years

Answer 6

the union suck period

corrupt losers stealing you blind.
when they are busted nothing happens they suck

My worthless Ironworkers Union is signing up 2000 illegals its part of their master plan to supply the powerhouses with cheap labor
they are telling the members it's to save the pension fund
Thats a brilliant plan to take in 38-48 yr old members to save the pension

the pension fund is underfunded from the BA's trading our stocks for kick backs by the investment group

30+ million gone and nobody responsible

Answer 7

Your question is well stated.
Union members in general care about the business they work for, but the violent mob types you often see on picket lines don't care if the company fails.
That is because THEY are protected by our Government and will get unemployment compensation.
YOU pay for the failure of BOTH the Company and the union members.
Greed an Stupidity!
Don't say this in public, you might get your knees broken.

Answer 8

Unions on regular basis give wage concessions to struggling companies

Answer 9

youre blathering
forming organizations at work is a fundamental right in all but the most oppressive regimes. Its a part of the free market, their labor is worth something and they have a right to demand any price they want. if you dont like it do the work yourself

Answer 10

Don't worry, our politicians have sold all of our jobs to the Chinese and Mexicans so we won't have to worry about this soon. We will be working in sweatshops for $10 per day to make things for the Chinese by 2050 if we don't do something.