By: Madison Ellsworth
When I reviewed this weeks topic and read that labor unions was one of the options I actually got very excited. Growing up my mother worked at numerous schools within my hometown school district and I have vivid memories of going o her labor/ school union meetings. During these meetings many topics would be addressed ranging from teacher compensation to how the money that each school is getting is going to benefit each student. I really appreciated theses meetings even as a young kid because it felt like teachers really cared about the education and experience of their students. Additionally, now when I reflect on these students I felt like the labor union in this case was holding administration and higher up staff accountable for decisions that were being made behind the scenes.
Looking at labor unions as a whole I think they are a great way to create a checks and balance system. Similar to our government different groups, yes, have their own responsibilities but also are assigned with the role of evaluating and holding other groups accountable. I see labor unions as the same. The people that make up these unions come from all different walks of life and have a job of their own. But, they also want to hold other groups accountable. Additionally, labor unions realize that the decisions being made behind the scenes are actually effecting them, their pay, working conditions, culture etc. and voicing their opinions may make a very large impact on the final decision. Additionally, companies may use labor unions as a way to receive feedback. Overall I believe Labor Unions are a very effective way to create accountability, hear feedback, and form a line of communication.
After learning more about unions in our lectures a few concepts really stuck out to me. First, the idea of “Salting – practice in which unions hire and pay people to apply for jobs at certain companies to begin organizing efforts.” (Lecture, Labor Relations, pg.5). This is very interesting because it basically is a spin off of “under cover boss”. I think this could offer great insight, but at the same time does seem slightly sneaky. Also, we learn that some companies frown upon unions. I think this is mainly rooted from the fear of what it could do to a company. Unions are great because they can expose the wrong doing of a company and ultimately hold everyone accountable which for the company could lead to law suits, poor culture, or people quitting.
Similar to my mom I would love to join a union. I think although you are committing to more hours outside of your job, you are ultimately fighting for a better work experience.
