I sometimes think that unions don't understand that we live in a free society, and people have the right to not select union representation if they don't want it.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Every individual should have both the right to join a union and the right to not join a union should they so choose. It's about basic human freedom.
There is nothing that says unions have a God-given right to be there. We have to work at it and make ourselves relevant to every section of the workforce.
Many people do not realize that where unions have bargaining rights employers cannot raise wages or improve benefit plans any more than they can reduce them without of the consent of the union.
My problem with unions is they breed mediocrity.
If you don't have collective agreements between unions and employers, governments have to legislate more.
The union is much more than me, and when you think the union is you and it's not about who you represent, I think you've sort of lost your morals and focus and the purpose of your leadership.
Unions inherently create an 'us versus them' dynamic that makes winning against a company's management the top goal, not serving customers, innovating, or in the case of education, teaching kids.
Now workers should have the right to join unions. But unions should not be forced upon workers. And unions should not have the power to take money our of their members' paychecks to buy the support of politicians that are favored by the union bosses.
The reality is that no one can be forced to join a union against their will, and a union cannot take action against those who decide not to join their union.
Unions, by and large, are democratic organizations with freely chosen leaders and policies determined by the membership. They concern themselves with individual dignity not only in their aims but in their method. We have no better example of what is worthy of emulation abroad than the workings of a good union.