There are many obvious pros for the workers in unions including better working conditions, job security, and higher pay. But, the positive effect that unions have on society, in general, is often less recognized. According to Beyer, union workers earn 10.2% more than their non-union peers, and, “Unionization boosts wages for workers industry-wide, even if their workplaces are not unionized” (Beyer). Additionally, many studdies have shown that “about one-fifth of the increase in economic inequality in America among men in recent decades is the result of the decline in unions” (Kristof). When we look at studies showing that executives in bigger companies earned an average of 20 times more than typical workers in 1965 yet, as of 2013, executives in similar positions earned on average 296 times more than the workers, we can see that there a dramatic gap between the classes.
The main criticism of labor unions is that “union contracts are anti-employer and make it more difficult for a company to fire an unproductive employee” (Connett). Many also argue that they raise the overall operating costs of businesses which can decrease competitiveness. Many pont to the American auto industry as an examply of an industry that was negatively impacted by unions. Non-American auto producers who did not have unions had far lower costs than the American producers which allowed them to move into the market and out-compete many of the American companies. However, as Kristof pointed out “Germany’s car workers have a strong union, and so do Toyota’s in Japan and Kia’s in South Korea” (Kristof). It is true that unions can make it operations more expensive, but, they also have to take into account the savings gained by increased employee satisfaction.
As the child of a business owner, I have always been skeptical of unions because I know it would be hard on my parent’s business if their employees were to unionize. However, after seeing the benefits to society at large that unions can provide, I would be in support of unionization efforts. Ideally, if a company is truly treating its employees fairly, they would see no need to unionize. However, I do believe that having that option is a good way to ensure workers have a voice to demand the rights they deserve.
Beyer, Don. Unions Provide Major Economic Benefits for Workers and Families. 2021.
Connett, Wendy. “Are Labor Unions Effective?” Investopedia, 1 Sept. 2022, www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0113/are-labor-unions-effective.aspx#:~:text=Labor%20unions%20benefit%20their%20members.
Kristof, Nicholas. “Opinion | the Cost of a Decline in Unions.” The New York Times, 19 Feb. 2015, www.nytimes.com/2015/02/19/opinion/nicholas-kristof-the-cost-of-a-decline-in-unions.html?smid=pl-share&_r=0. Accessed 1 Dec. 2022.
