Based on my research and this week’s lectures, I think everything aligns with what I’m learning from this week’s materials. The pros and cons of labor unions come from multiple perspectives. According to Banerjee (2021), from a government (societal) standpoint, “…unionized workers have more income and therefore pay more taxes”. The article also highlights that it can enhance civic engagement and bring broader community benefits. They point out that you could see this through the states with the highest union densities being more likely to pass paid sick leave, family, and medical leave laws compared to states with lower union presence.
From the employer’s perspective, unions could help improve work conditions, work environment, and labor relations. At the same time, they could limit what managers can and cannot do, raise labor costs, and bring in tension into employer-employee dynamics. For employees, unions provide benefits such as higher wages, improved workplace safety, and a collective voice in negotiations. The downsides could be union dues, reduced individual flexibility, and seniority rules that can sometimes stop advancement.
A key takeaway for me is that unions play a critical role in protecting workers and improving job conditions, while also helping to bring in broader positive changes. I would consider joining a union if it offered meaningful benefits, transparent leadership, and a reasonable voice in decision-making. I would be less inclined to join if the environment felt hostile or if the dues outweighed the return. Overall, my decision to join a union depends on the specific workplace context and the union’s approach to representing its members.
Banerjee, A., Poydock, M., McNicholas, C., Mangundayao, I., & Sait, A. (2021, December 15). Unions are not only good for workers, they’re good for communities and for democracy. Economic Policy Institute. https://www.epi.org/publication/unions-and-well-being/
Feiveson, L. (2023, August 28). Labor Unions and the U.S. Economy. U.S. Department of the Treasury. https://home.treasury.gov/news/featured-stories/labor-unions-and-the-us-economy
