Are Labor Unions still necessary?

1. 63

   mintinfoposted 12 years ago

   Are Labor Unions still necessary?
   
   In the past Labor Unions have been credited with such worker rights as yearly raises, set minimum pay, maternity leave, vacation pay, and set daily and weekly hours of work. Today many opponents of Unions argue that they have gotten too powerful and are an hindrance to job growth.

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2. 61

   Goody5posted 12 years ago

   YES unions are still necessary! If it weren't for unions today employers would be running wild and taking every advantage of the workers. Union contracts help keep a good balance in today's working world. Look at how many non-union workers don't have job security, and can't even get 40 hours a week much less benefits at places like WalMart and McDonald's. I'm not answering this question to argue and I've had my word, and if you are happy with a non-union job then that's great, however I'm a Teamster to the grave.

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   1. 63

      mintinfoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      No argument intended Goody5. I've never been in a union but I understand their importance. There is a union breaking sentiment going around and while I do agree that some unions are too powerful I dread the alternative, Sweatshops

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3. 73

   Rhonda_Mposted 12 years ago

   I believe that unions are still necessary to go to bat for the employees. Unfortunately, they are loosign their "teeth" in some places. I speak only of teaching where there's a union and the union has not really been able to do very much for the teachers except ensure a modicum fo job security while wages are frozen and work loads increase.

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4. 61

   MickSposted 12 years ago

   Yep, there is a place for labour unions, as soon as any society gets rid of them the employers would drag any country back to the oppressive working conditions of the 19 c.  We have employers 'unions' but no one seems to batt a eyebrow at their existance.  It is a truism that employers want to make the most product with the lowest cost, and sell at the highest price they can get away with; all think what a wonderful idea, but as soon as employees want a fair slice of the cake everyone paints them as the big bad wolves.

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5. 82

   tamarawilhiteposted 12 years ago

   No. And unions in the civil service are gouging tax payers.

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6. 69

   safiq ali patelposted 12 years ago

   I think Labor unions do still play a part in negotiating rates and rights for workers which are lost if an employee is not with a trade union. Trade unions are still strong and leading. In face in many of Europe's economies Labor Unions are still very powerful and are often the loudest voice lobbying for the rights of workers.

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7. 60

   Little Grandmommyposted 12 years ago

   Tennessee where I live, is a "right to work state",  In essense this means if the company you work for doesn't have a union in place to protect you they can pretty much do what they want.   An example:  the company my husband works for started something new.  It's a transportation company.  If a driver has what is deemed a preventable accident then their branch mgr. will also be held accountable and they will both be fired.  I couldn't believe this was legal.  So, I called the Labor Board and asked them.  I found out that it is legal because there is a "right to work state".

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