My internet search provided many key pros and cons regarding labour unions, both that were and were not discussed within the lectures. Some key pros of labor unions that specifically spoke out to me are “higher wages/raise, better protection of workers, benefits for families, less possible favoritism and higher job security”. Each of these pros truly made an impact on how I view the labour union; though in comparison a few cons that caught my attention were “equal treatment may not take into account quality of work, high union costs and collaboration between employees may suffer”. I feel I am at a cross roads regarding if I would want to join a union or not. This week’s content exposed me to a lot of information pertaining to unions that I was completely unaware of before. I believe unionization has the ability to empower workers and give them a sense or true power and negotiation, yet there seems to be a resonating stigma surrounding this concept. Depending on the job, the environment I was in, my financial security and family status, I would weigh the pros and cons against on another to make my decisions. The lectures provided great reasons for why unions can be beneficial, but also was sure to include how they can be problematic with high union dues, seniority and how relationships are affected and the disconnect it creates between the company and their employees.

week 10 lectures