A labor union is “a formal association of workers that promotes employees’ interests to management on such issues as wages, work hours, and working conditions through collective action (Swift, 2021).” There are many pros and cons to having a labor union. Unions protect workers from losing their jobs for invalid reasons as well as provide higher wages. Concerns can be raised collectively and it is easier for it to be mediated. On the other hand, there are additional union dues that employee have to pay in order to receive these benefits. If a union worker disagrees with a decision that was made on the behalf of the union, there is nothing that can be done if they want to keep their job. It becomes a universal decision instead of individual (Stevenson, 2018).

A friend of mine was a member of a Carpenter’s union. He liked it overall due to the protection of keeping his job. However, he did not like the union dues he had to pay. Even when there was not any contracts available, he still had to pay them regardless of an income. I believe in his line of work, it is a valuable benefit. I believe wherever there is a large amount of people working especially in service or craft industries where the conditions may not be fair all across the board is the best places that can benefit from unions.

I didn’t know there were so much involved in being part of a union. What I remember most are the highly publicized strikes that I hear over the news where the employer and employees try to reach a decision that works best. In the field that I currently work in, I would not want to join a union. I believe there is too much involved. I would rather cut out the middle man. If I am am unhappy and I bring it to the attention of my supervisor and actions are not made where we can work it out, I would rather leave and find somewhere else where I can be successful. Although, I like the collective unit, I also like individuality. I feel that it is too much control. I do see the benefits but I don’t believe it would work for me.