as simple as the title is...do Americans today still need labor unions?

excon

Hello cloud:

Need isn't the right word... When unions did the most good for their workers, they did so because they were negotiating from strength. If management didn't do what the union wanted, the union would go on strike.

Today, however, management can just send the jobs off shore and doesn't have to deal with pesky unions...

So, NEED has nothing to do with it.

excon

cloud125p

u didnt answer the question, NEED is the "right word", thats why i used it

MarkwithaK

I have been on both sides of the fence with this topic. My opinion, it depends on the industry. I was a union steelworker at one point. We needed out union. These days I work in a non-union HVAC/R shop and in this particular area and this particular industry the unions are working themselves out of a job. If I were to join a union that handled my trade I would be a Pipefitter. Most union Pipefitters here are laid off between 25%-50% of the year. I work year 'round.

Honestly I think that the positives of a labor union (better wages, better benefits) are almost off-set by the stigma attached with them. People are leary of hiring union contractors anymore simply because they figure it will cost twice as much and take twice as long. In some instances they are correct.

Otherbill

I worked also as a steelworker. Was "rank & file" worker and in management. Worked there for 36 years. I always felt that businesses caused the unions. They have always been greedy and the unions are a necessary evil.

dimonthecoast

I belong to a rather large union in the federal government. I've seen insanity on both sides; however, if management were "human and fair" in their application of rules, regs, etc. then there would be no need for unions. I have seen incompetent suck ups promoted over well deserving, above average rank and file and no one on the management side questions this. If a grievance or EEO is filed, then the employee is labeled (in spite of the "whistle blower act" there is still subtle retaliation). I have seen employees forced to work a day off with no appropriate compensation and even though management knew it was wrong, they still sat back and waited for the union to file grievances, go through the arbitration process and finally achieve redress for the affected persons. That took years and untold amount of unncessary resources. All it accomplished in the end was to support the necessity of unions.

If we can achieve a "partnership" designed to accomplish the agency's objectives without alienating their most valuable resource (the employees) then the unions would become unnecessary.

Call me crazy, but I believe it is possible . . .

Missouri Bound

Unions have outlived their purpose and their usefulness. The economic problems the auto manufacturers have will never be resolved unless the union control is taken out of industry. There are enough watchdogs to prevent unfair labor tactics, the union is not necessary. Unions have made the US struggle to be competitive while non-union labor in other countries have taken over the automotive industry.

dimonthecoast

I don't disagree that auto unions are another matter altogether, but with the insane compensation packages given to management when business is LOSING billions of dollars cannot be discounted. Clearly you didn't read the very real and important issues I have personally experienced. Those watch dogs have no teeth in my line of work and management shoves them in the dog house and shuts the door. If you were unfairly treated (passed over for promotion by some one COMPLETELY incompetent) and you went to EEO, which I did, I promise you before it was over and they raked you over the coals and then kissed management right on the mouth (actually in my case the EEO counselor HUGGED my violator), then you would have a different opinion. So it's great if it works, sadly it's been my experience it usually doesn't. Take a look at my partnership comment.