The Pros
There are many pros when it comes to being in a union. Originally, unions were created to promote employee’s interests to management on issues such as wages, work hours, and working conditions. By doing so, it has been found that unions increase productivity, safer workplaces and better working conditions. By also being in a union, it is likely to be paid more in wages and benefits (Swift, 2024). However, by having a company unionize, could have some set backs.
The Cons
The cons that come with unions is that they do cost money. This part does get people uneasy about unions as they are not free. Another con is going on strike, this can halt productions and cause workers who want to make money cannot do so (Us, 2024).
Would I join?
This is a difficult question for me. Personally, I have had family members have wrongful firings from not being unionized and have had others get raises in unions. Overall, I think I would join a union based on what company I work at. At my current place of work, I would not join a union. As an individual, it is hard to get my voice heard, and the Union speaks on the behalf of everyone, and I think it would be more difficult to actively stay engaged in what is happening in the Union. I work so little hours, union due’s would be hard to keep up with even if I was getting paid more on average. Currently, my place of work has been doing great in regards to wages, benefits, and work hours, and I see no reason to join one when there are no current issues with management. If I was having problems in regards to those areas, I would be more inclined to join a union.
References
Us, J. K. W. (2024, October 2). The pros and cons of labor unions. The week. https://theweek.com/business/labor-unions-pros-cons
Swift, Michelle. “Week Ten”, MGMT 453, 08 December 2024, Oregon State University, Class Lecture.
