Why aren't you in a union?

photog

I was in a union.
They were the most idiotic bunch of morons you could ever hope to meet.
They did nothing for the workers but rather were just out to "punish" the employers.

Unionisation in this country (UK) in the 60's and 70's is what killed of the main manufacturing industries and caused major social problems.

Unions, I spit on them.
1

GAVIN E

I am thank you.

I am a shop steward and I help answer these sort of questions.

achilles500

Been in a union for 36 years.

Gravy

Because I'm a small business owner.

wartz

I pay retired dues to my old union.

Thierry Gautier Hardin

That is a good point. Union members generally don't have the petty hassles that many employees have.

I own a business and am not a member of any union, but on a occasion to do business with members of AFTRA, Airline Workers, and Industial Engineers. They were all trustworthy and honest.

maca

they do not see the big picture of strength with a union and the benefits that they are able to give

Mutt

Because I'm doing just fine on my own, and don't need any help from a corrupt, greedy organization. I've moved up fairly quickly (when from Support Specialist to Network Engineer in 5 years) based on the work I do, not on seniority or playing politics with the union.

Also, if unions are so great, why are their enrollment drastically dropping?

*EDIT* - Another issue is that unions seem to still be operating like they did 50 years ago, but the workplace has changed. 50 years ago, people worked for the same company for most of their life. Companies knew this, and didn't treat their employees the best. This is where a union can be beneficial, to make sure the company "rewards" their employee's loyalty.

Times have changed. Most people don't stay with the same company, and change jobs about every 5 to 10 years (some even less than that). Companies have learned that in order to hire good employees, and to keep good employees, they need to offer them more. If they only pay minimum wage and don't include any other benefits, they are going to get workers that produce the same quality of product as what they (the employees) get for compensation. If I'm a good, hard working employee, why would I want to work there if their competitor will pay me more and give me better benefits?

micksmixxx

Because I no longer work, having been retired on grounds of ill health in 1991. The union were absolutely no use whatsoever with getting me another job within the same organisation, just as another union were no good whatsoever when I was fired from a previous job whilst I was still in hospital.

Croxx

Simple, the people I know were never supported by their Union when the chips were down.

I was a Union member for a couple of years & my reps were crap.

Edit - now as as a mangement accountant 'we' don't have a union!

Buddha

I am retired now but chose never to be in a union because they nearly brought this country to its knees. They had far too much power and Margaret Thatcher was right to bring them down.

joan k

I don't like Unions after seeing how corrupt they are. They are hand in glove with employers to suit their own ends. Family member is high up in a certain union and I have seen first hand the deals that go on.

It's me!

I agree with what Mutt said.

MotÃ¶rhead Fan

When I was in school, along with friends, I formed the "Traders Guild" which was almost like a full time occupation at school. The Traders Guild is my Union

Pfo

"Unionised workplaces are safer, less exploitative and generally better paid."

True. But at the same time, it is unionized labor in the Big 3 that is killing their industry with outrageous labor costs. It's nice to work comfortably and be paid well, but at the expense of your parent company? Where does the line get drawn?

I am an at-will employee and they treat me wonderfully here, no complaints.

Unions are ONLY good for members of the union or dependents of members of the union. They hurt everyone else, employers, and consumers that buy the companies products. That's far more people paying a price than those that reap the benefits of the union.

sgoldperson

I make more NOT being in a Union. I don't have Union dues, which could easily go to things I DON'T support and I'm almost sure they would. I don't have higher taxes because of the higher tax bracket.
I get good benefits. Probably better then a Union would get. Tell me how much you pay for Insurance, most co-pays are at least 25% now. Mine is 10%.
Having a Union wouldn't make my place safer.

Unions are mostly outdated, just accept it. I have nothing against people who want to be in one, but don't act like everyone needs one. Unions had their time and place. They are mostly the reason for things like OSHA. So if Unions are so great why are MOST Private places NOT Unionized? If Unions are so great why do they want to intimidate people by saying oh we just need you to sign a paper saying you want to be in the union as oppose to a secret ballot? Don't tell me that is about being safe from the employer, we have laws to help you feel safe. They just want to be able to FORCE Unions on people by scaring them in to signing the paper, otherwise they wouldn't fear a secret ballot.

mustagme

Unions need to be abolished. Let the free market decide wages and conditions. The free market can't be wrong. Look at the auto industry due to unions. Look at the steel industry. It is gone due to unions.

President Elect Barack H. Obama

most conservatives suffer in that they are willing to sacrifice their own lives to make a point. They are perfectly willing to go through life making $10.00 an hour instead of the $18 they would make if they were unionized. $8 per hour times 2000 hours per year = $16,000. Multiply that times a career that lasts 35 years = $660,000. Throw in interest earned on all that money over 35 years which would probably put it over one million dollars. Gosh those unions are bad aren't they?

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