By: Calla Krummel
The Union Life
In most peoples eyes labor unions have been an integral part of improving working conditions, wages, and job security for many employees, particularly in industries like healthcare. As someone who works at the Hospital here in town, which is part of a union, I’ve had the opportunity to observe firsthand the pros and cons that unions bring to the workplace.
One of the most notable advantages of being part of a union is the job security it offers. Unions often negotiate for fair wages, benefits, and protection from unjust termination. In healthcare, this can be especially important, as it ensures workers have a voice when it comes to safety protocols, workload management, and patient care standards. For instance, nurses and hospital staff who are part of a union can advocate for better staffing levels or improved working conditions without fear of retaliation, knowing the union/ union reps will back them up.
On the other hand, unions come with their downsides. One concern that some employees may have is the cost of union dues. Although the union provides support and advocacy, the financial cost of dues can be a burden for some workers. Additionally, union rules sometimes limit flexibility, particularly when it comes to individual negotiations. Employees may find that some decisions are made collectively, and their personal preferences may not always align with the union’s bargaining strategies.
From a broader perspective, labor unions play a critical role in advocating for better wages and working conditions in industries across the country. They help close wage gaps, improve safety, and create a more equitable environment for all employees. This impact extends beyond individual workplaces, creating societal benefits such as better labor standards and fairer compensation practices.
Reflecting on my own situation, while I currently appreciate the job security and benefits the union provides, I’ve also seen how unionized environments can sometimes limit personal negotiation flexibility. At this stage in my career, I value the job security and protections the union offers, but I’d have to weigh the pros and cons if I were in a role where flexibility and autonomy were more important to me.
Would I join a union? Given my current role, I would say yes but i’m more of a maybe. As well as the at hospital we don’t have the option to join the union or not, we are forced to join it. But the security and protections offered, especially in the healthcare field, can outweigh the cons. However, in the future, if I were in a role where I could negotiate directly with employers or if my financial situation made union dues difficult to manage, I might reconsider. Because those union dues add up.
Ultimately, labor unions serve an important purpose in ensuring fair treatment and advocating for workers’ rights, but the decision to join or support a union depends on the specific work environment and personal circumstances.
Cites Sources:
Glass, A., & Madland, D. (2023b, June 21). How Unions Are Crucial for Building Working-Class Economic Power. Center for American Progress. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/how-unions-are-crucial-for-building-working-class-economic-power/
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
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