As an employee, what is a good reason NOT to form a labor union?

1. 59

   Jonesy0311posted 12 years ago

   As an employee, what is a good reason NOT to form a labor union?
   
   Many states are beginning to outlaw collective bargaining for government employees. This will obviously trickle down. I am wondering why so many Americans feel so comfortable with no safety net beneath them to protect their lifeline. Why is it that at every job I have ever held, I am regarded as a lunatic for talking about unionizing?

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2. 86

   tamarawilhiteposted 12 years ago

   The union takes away judgment by merit and replaces it with seniority or loyalty to union management. How hard you work, how well you do your job, how qualified you are - all cease to matter. It's only how long you've worked there and whether the union bosses like you.
   The employers become antagonistic to employees because unions make it an us versus them situation. Unions get higher wages by blackmailing businesses, give us more money or you won't make any money at all. Workers give up the higher wages to the union, making it a wash, in exchange for losing out on performance pay. Then businesses lose good, young employees if they need to cut staff, even over the bad apples who've managed to be protected by union bosses.
   And when unions get too greedy and demand unsustainable wages and benefits (think UAW), businesses move work overseas. And the employees lose their jobs. And union bosses keep their pensions.
   Don't give up the right to be paid what you're worth. Or willingly have a work boss AND a union boss to report to.

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3. 67

   davenmidtownposted 12 years ago

   anytime the quality of your work speaks for itself and can be seen as a value to your employer.  IN the 30 years that I worked in the public sector I have never worked under a union.  I try to do the best job I can without causing problems.  I see unions as a place for people to hide from their own bad behaviors.  That is not to say that all union workers are bad employees, but I have seen my fair share employees who should have been fired but were kept on only because they were a union worker.   There are instances when unions work well and that occurs when the employer is horribly unscrupulous.

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4. 69

   Allen Williamsposted 12 years ago

   Unions are bad for employees and for the country.  They are ruining our country, thus the reason for their decrease in membership over the past 20 years.  I fully agree with tamarawilhite and davenmidtown.  They are right on.  At one time unions had their place and protected employees but over the years they damaged a good working relationship with employers.  Most companies that do not have a union have better wages and benefits for their employees.

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5. 60

   Dave Mathewsposted 12 years ago

   If you are hoping to become a part of management's team don't be seen as being part of the union.

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