Based on my research, the pros of unionization for employees may be higher wages, better benefits, regulations on working conditions and better protections that can provide increased job security. The cons for employees include union dues, union rules which may cause you to go along with the union on issues you may not agree with individually. Union rules prioritize seniority, which can limit advancement opportunities and lead to unpaid work stoppages during strikes.
The pros for employers include easier budgeting with union contracts, potential productivity gains from union-sponsored training, and a formal process for handling disputes. However, cons may include workplace tension between the union and management, higher wages and benefits reducing competitiveness, and the risk of strikes disrupting operations.
I spoke with my uncle, who was a member of a union for three years while working for the State of Indiana. His experience was largely negative, describing managing union employees as a “nightmare.” He felt his dues provided little value, as disciplining underperforming employees was nearly impossible due to union involvement. The union often shifted blame to him or the organization, forcing him to ignore less productive employees and assign them to roles with minimal impact. He noticed long-term employees did the bare minimum until retirement, while productive new hires typically left within a year.
The class material went into specific detail on things such as bargaining and an election, while my research was more surface level.
If I had the choice, I would choose not to join a union. I understand that there are many frustrating aspects of joining a union, specifically the difficulty of getting promoted based on merit. However, a circumstance I would consider joining the union would be working as a Police Officer or a Firefighter.
https://www.laborsoft.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-labor-unions