Why the unions are going downhill

[Oath 0]

Ah, our tax dollars at work...

Are unions supported by tax dollars?

Just to answer that to save confusion.

No they are paid for and by the members of said union, and as I've stated I can only speak for the United Kingdom.

Edited May 10, 2007 by Oath

[mawilson 2,133]

Silly question, but...

Why do we even have labor unions in 21st century America?

The very concept smacks of communism, not free enterprise.

"Factories to the workers, land to the peasants" sort of thing.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Silly question, but...

Why do we even have labor unions in 21st century America?

The very concept smacks of communism, not free enterprise.

"Factories to the workers, land to the peasants" sort of thing.

The right to organize is fundamental to a democracy. Corporatism is an element of Fascism - Mussolini gave corporations governmental power.

I'll take democracy over fascism any day.

[mawilson 2,133]

The right to organize is fundamental to a democracy. Corporatism is an element of Fascism - Mussolini gave corporations governmental power.

I'll take democracy over fascism any day.

How does it work then? Workers can organise, sure, but why do companies listen

to unions' demands? Isn't it essentially giving in to blackmail (i.e. if you don't

give us what we want, we'll go on strike)?

[mawilson 2,133]

Also, why don't all companies require, as a condition of employment, that

their employees not be affiliated with any unions, or at least give up their

right to resolve disputes through unions?

That would nip this "union" thing in the bud.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

The right to organize is fundamental to a democracy. Corporatism is an element of Fascism - Mussolini gave corporations governmental power.

I'll take democracy over fascism any day.

How does it work then? Workers can organise, sure, but why do companies listen

to unions' demands? Isn't it essentially giving in to blackmail (i.e. if you don't

give us what we want, we'll go on strike)?

hehehe...the contract is negotiated. In recent years, unions have become increasingly concilatory (sp) even when companies cut wages. The union only has the power of striking, but once the contract has been ratified, then companies should be held up to their end of the bargain. This notion that unions have so much control over a company that all they can do is rollover and let them is nonsense.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Also, why don't all companies require, as a condition of employment, that

their employees not be affiliated with any unions, or at least give up their

right to resolve disputes through unions?

That would nip this "union" thing in the bud.

It depends on the state - Arizona, for example, is a right-to-work state, so you don't have to join the union even if it's a union job.

[Emancipation 2]

Also, why don't all companies require, as a condition of employment, that

their employees not be affiliated with any unions, or at least give up their

right to resolve disputes through unions?

That would nip this "union" thing in the bud.

In Canada the Millwork firm I worked for - the management wrote up and the employee reps signed and Employees Agreement.. which was put on file with the labour board which kept the unions out. It basically ensured that management dealt directly with employees. Worked well!