Labor unions of evolved overtime, and the impact of unions has remained a debate for quite some time. Through my research, I wanted to look into what some of the pros and cons are regarding labor unions. After looking through some of the pros and cons, I realized that the decision to join a labor union is much more complex and nuanced than I had originally thought.

Some of the pros of Labor Unions consist of the comfortability and sustainability you can obtain within a given position. Union contracts often provide provisions for job security. This offers a level of protection against the vulnerabilities of dismissals and ensuring fair treatment.

Considering this pro that labor unions can provide for employees, also brings into question a con regarding labor unions. Employers often find labor unions to cause dismissal of employees to be especially difficult, even when the employee in question can be incredibly incompetent. This creates a disparity between how many employees view labor unions, and how employers view labor unions. However, it appears that the disparity boils down to the level of competence that an employee or an employer displays. As long as an employee avoids incompetence, employers will be less incentivized to attempt dismissal. Additionally, as employers display competence and fairness to employees, then dismissal is less enticing for employers to act upon.

Other pros of labor unions provide collective bargaining power and representation for employees. Collective bargaining power empowers employees to negotiate collectively for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. This coincides with the representation that labor unions provide. Unions can serve as a voice for workers, ensuring that their concerns are head and addressed by their employers.

However, dues and fees may require union members to pay. This can potentially reduce the pay that their able to personally acquire. This can cause employees to question if the benefits justify the costs that come alongside the union. Another restriction that unions can cause is the ability to allow individual negotiations. Individual negotiation flexibility may be restricted due to the collective bargaining agreements that labor unions entice.

After exploring the pros and cons with labor unions, I question if it is something I it is something I’m genuinely interested in joining. The con that makes me less enticed to join a labor union is the lack of individual negotiation flexibility. The idea of collective bargaining power and job security is appealing, but the payment of dues as well as the lack of individual negotiations make me question joining. I may at times disagree with the collective within the labor union, and not having that individual flexibility can hinder my goals and aspirations within that job position.

References:

Connett, Wendy. “Are Labor Unions Effective?” Investopedia, Investopedia, 26 Feb. 2023, www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0113/are-labor-unions-effective.aspx#:~:text=Proponents%20maintain%20that%20unions%20result,companies%20to%20fire%20unproductive%20employees.

Gaylord, Amy Moor, and Thomas Y. Mandler. “Top Ten Myths about Unions.” Lexology, Akerman LLP, 27 June 2023, www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=824dc76e-d2ca-449d-b80b-25d00ec950d3.