Labor Unions

[greeng13]

Labor unions got their start during the sweatshop era many years ago when workers were forced to toil for mere pennies sometimes for 16 hours a day. In the ensuing years unions fought for, and got, decent wages and benefits for their members. Unfortunately many unions became corrupt and began using illegal tactics and violence to achieve their goals. Big corporations decided it was more profitable to relocate their factories and call centers to third world countries and pay a fraction of what they would have to pay an American worker. Point being: corporations have decided in order to keep their profit margins up they are going to offshore jobs rather than pay what the unions demanded. Sad to say, but intentionally or not unions have literally priced their members out of jobs.

i'll buy that explanation.

[Stephanie]

Labor unions got their start during the sweatshop era many years ago when workers were forced to toil for mere pennies sometimes for 16 hours a day. In the ensuing years unions fought for, and got, decent wages and benefits for their members. Unfortunately many unions became corrupt and began using illegal tactics and violence to achieve their goals. Big corporations decided it was more profitable to relocate their factories and call centers to third world countries and pay a fraction of what they would have to pay an American worker. Point being: corporations have decided in order to keep their profit margins up they are going to offshore jobs rather than pay what the unions demanded. Sad to say, but intentionally or not unions have literally priced their members out of jobs.

I agree 100%

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you Karan! I remember the Local 54 strike back in 2004 at the casinos and working it. My jaw drops whenever I hear what a union is expecting out of a labor negotiation - like no co-payments for health insurance. Give me a break!! I especially love it when the school teachers go on strike a create a list of demands for wage increases, no co-payments again, etc. and wonder why the heck do I have to pay for them to have something I don't?!?! Back to reality folks!

[CajunMama]

Unions were good for the worker in the beginning. Not any more. Now I think many workers would be better off not being in a union. Unions have become very greedy.

Just a side note, my grandfather was a steelmill worker in pittsburgh.

[MGC]

Corporations answer only to their share holders. Share holdes demand as piece of the profits (dividends). The corporation will seek out the lowest wages it can find. Back in the 80's it was Mexico now it is China. In 20 years who knows where the cheep labor will be. But rest assured that someone in corporate America will find it......MGC

[Pburgh]

Our owners have not made a penny off of our Company in 8 years!!! They have invested over 1.5 million in those years!! The union demands include a $3 per hour increase across the board, 5 additional holidays (we already have 11), matching 401K, $.75 per hour for pension plan, 3 paid sick days and 1 paid personal day in addition to the existing 1-2-3 week paid vacation, signing bonus of $250 to $750 per employee and a few other goodies. They know we are struggling and they refuse to concede. If our employees did not make a good wage and did not have the best benefits, I could see their point. Our employees tried to decertify the Union 6 months ago. The Union made many unrealistic promises at that time and now they are under the gun to get what they promised.

I wonder how many small companies have gone belly up just so the unions could save face!!!! It amazes me - if we go out of business, they can't receive any more union dues. What is their point??? What a high price to pay for some really nice guys and their families.

[Janice]

You can believe the unions will get their money somewhere. They are powerful and still are big vote getters. The people who supply the most votes for politicians will always be protected someway.

So you find now that the minorities and the working class who are getting laid off and losing jobs are not gaining anything, but these are the people the politicians are kissing to get votes. I think people should wake up.