Lawmakers in both political parties have often acceded to unions' requests to avoid political confrontations or to curry favor. They have pushed difficult choices into the future.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
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.
My problem with unions is they breed mediocrity.
Being a conservative union member is almost like being an actor in Hollywood: You don't dare say it, or you might be injured on the job, or you might be laid off, or your family might have something happen to them.
One of the great things about unions is they're member driven and give us the great ability to both lead and follow at the same time.
Labor must work harder to attract and retain members. The party should be cheaper to join with discounted rates available for union members as well as for students, pensioners, and people out of work.
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 should not be lapdogs to a political party, they should be watchdogs for their members' interests.
Unions can play a valuable role in large organisations where it is difficult to talk to a thousand people. They can negotiate annual pay awards with management, represent grievance cases, and explain and advise on complicated changes in employment or pension law.
This is the crux of the problem: because the Republicans and the right wing have been successful in almost eliminating unions, everyone else has suffered as a result.
Unions go hand-in-hand with a strong middle class.