I have had somewhat close relationships with union workers and unions on account of my being in construction for about the last decade of my life. Where am I currently? Well, the company that I now have a full-time position with only hires union workers for its construction projects. This means that union workers are a valuable resource and a limiting factor for the company; if the supply of union workers is low, it greatly limits the kinds and sizes of projects that the company can choose to pursue. In my personal life, the union workers I have interacted with have typically expressed appreciation for their union. Whether that be because they feel their wages are fairer, jobs are more secure, or even simply because they feel seen by an organization comprised of their peers. I’ve known people just getting into union work and 50-year veterans who run the treasury of a union. I would say the common factor between both individuals is the visibility they receive from the entire union; appreciation flows freely for your common union worker and creates a real sense of community both on and off the job.
I think that union work also provides massive benefits to employers. They can get a better idea of the kind of work quality they can expect and know the intensive training that union workers go through to be the best at what they do. If I hadn’t gone the management route for construction, I do not think I would personally join a union. I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs, specifically in the construction industry. I don’t see participation in a union as beneficial as I would probably run my own business if I had gone the trades route.