Pros of Labor Unions
The pros of labor unions in regards to employees include improved working conditions, upward mobility, job security, higher wages, and benefits (Maryville University, 2022). The pros of labor unions in regards to employers include improved safety and training of workers, reduced turnover rates, a more productive team, and enhanced communication (Lytle, 2022). The pros of labor unions regarding society include financial stability, economic growth, resilience, and reducing inequality (Feiveson, 2023).
Cons of Labor Unions
The cons of labor unions in regard to employees include union dues, less autonomy, workplace tension, slower advancement, and improper use of funds (Maryville University, 2022). The cons of labor unions in regards to employers include workplace tension, difficulty in promoting, dismissing unproductive workers, strikes, higher costs, and reduced competition from other businesses (Kourtis, 2024). The cons of labor unions in regard to society include the possibility of an increase in cost, less competitive business competition, and reduced employment (Potter, 2023).
From what I learned in this week’s material contrasts with what I found in research because the course’s material heavily relies on facts, descriptions, and some numerical details. While my research reflected facts, but seemed to heavily rely on and include some personal thoughts and opinions. While the materials and research differ, I value being able to learn about both the statistical facts and laws while also learning about how different individuals are affected, whether good or bad. I believe it has helped me have a well-rounded understanding of labor unions.
I am not sure if I would join a union. I am not sure because I think there are many factors to consider with joining a union and working for an organization that has a union. I have heard positive stories about joining a union, but have also heard many negative things. One major disadvantage I have heard from employees who join a union is having to pay dues and having to work with coworkers who have low performance but are still there due to the union. Something that would make me consider joining a union is if they truly are going to benefit me and not do the bare minimum while still having to pay dues. Overall, I am still on the fence about whether I would join a union, but I believe there are both considerable advantages and disadvantages to consider.
References:
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#:~:text=Increased%20unionization%20has%20the%20potential,and%20thus%20lessening%20economic%20volatility.
Kourtis, F. (2024, April 9). Understanding the pros and cons of Labor Unions. Laborsoft. https://www.laborsoft.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-labor-unions
Lytle, T. (2022, September 7). How companies benefit from partnering with Unions. Welcome to SHRM. https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/hr-magazine/how-companies-benefit-partnering-unions#:~:text=Fenton%20followed%20up%20with%20air,%2C%20not%20us%20versus%20them.%E2%80%9D
Maryville University’s. (2022, April 11). What are the pros and cons of labor unions?. Maryville University Online. https://online.maryville.edu/blog/pros-and-cons-of-unions/#:~:text=The%20Drawbacks%20of%20Labor%20Unions,workplace%20tension%2C%20and%20slower%20advancement.
Potter, L. (2023, September 7). What’s going on with labor unions? – @theu. The U. https://attheu.utah.edu/facultystaff/what-going-on-with-labor-unions-a-qa-with-megan-reynolds/
