Union Strength in Perspective: A Teamster’s Take

As a vested Teamster, I’ve experienced firsthand both the value and complexity of union membership. This week I took a deeper dive into the broader discussion around labor unions, reflecting on my own experience and insights from The Week’s breakdown of union pros and cons (“Are labor unions a good thing?”).

Unions undeniably protect workers. They help secure better pay, job security, retirement benefits, and collective power when negotiating with employers. I’ve directly benefited from this—knowing my pension is protected and that there’s a structure in place if issues arise has given me peace of mind. As The Week notes, union workers earn roughly 11% more than their nonunion counterparts and are more likely to have health coverage and pensions.

But it’s not all positive. I’ve also seen bureaucracy, inflexibility, and internal politics slow down decisions and frustrate members. Some workers feel locked into outdated practices or see dues used in ways they don’t always agree with. That tension is real.

What stood out from this week’s course materials was how legislation—like right-to-work laws—has chipped away at union influence while promoting an image of individual freedom. But that “freedom” often comes at the cost of reduced bargaining power and wage stagnation.

For me, the value of a union comes down to protection. In industries with high turnover, physical risk, or where workers are often disposable, unions matter. I’d support unionization in any job where leadership fails to protect its people. I’ve lived the benefits—and seen the drawbacks—but overall, I’d rather have a union than face management alone.

Citations:

Are labor unions a good thing? (2023). The Week. https://theweek.com/business/labor-unions-pros-cons

Shermer, E. T. (2018). The right to work really means the right to work for less. Washington Post.