Some of the major benefits of labor unions include higher wages, better benefits, better working conditions, and increased job security. Any single one of these benefits is attractive by itself and when you group them together, they can make it easy to overlook some of the negative aspects that come with unions. One of the biggest complaints about unions is that union dues can be expensive while it’s hard to see where the money goes. For example, in 2019 unions collected $10-billion and only about 37% was spent on representational activities.[1] Another common drawback with unions is that they can make career advancement slower because many unions favor seniority. This can make achievement-based promotions difficult, potentially slowing the career growth of newer employees.[2] Where I felt that this weeks materials differed from other information available online is that I don’t think enough time was given to express any negative views an employee may have towards a union.
My first experience with a union came at 16 when I started my first full-time job. All I knew about unions at this time was what I was told: membership was mandatory (not true) and that they were fighting for our wages and benefits. I paid union dues for three years to make minimum wage. Looking back, all I see is an organization taking advantage of a 16-year-old kid.
Based on what I found while looking into labor unions this week and my previous experiences, I do not plan on joining a labor union in the future. To earn my trust and support, I would need a union to be transparent with their use of funds and to increase funding on representation.
Sources
- https://laborpains.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/olms-20-year-report-final-01.20.21.pdf
- What Are the Pros and Cons of Unions? | Maryville Online. [accessed 2023 December 8]. https://online.maryville.edu/blog/pros-and-cons-of-unions/
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