Not really. For there to be a benefit of being in a union, the union must be exclusive. Because if everyone is in a union, then no one is in a union.
Voluntary union membership and negotiation are ok I guess, but peaceful collective bargaining only benefits the union members who are weaker workers and negotiators.
That’s just in theory, because in practice there is no peaceful union collective bargaining. The government agency the National Labor Relations Board uses threats of violence to force employers to negotiate with the unions. Without that government violence, employers could avoid the unions, and strikes would become temporarily inconvenient gimmicks.
I was never in a union either but they do make sense in the trades. My Dad drove a bulldozer and was a member of Local 98 Operating Engineers. He might work for six different contractors throughout the year. They provided his salary, the union provided the health benefits. How hard would it be to enroll/unenroll every couple months?
Unions for the skilled trades make sense, it should always be an option. But, public sector, teachers, nurses, doctors, engineers - probably not.
"Union power"
This is why I am proud to say I've spent an entire career without being affiliated with a union once.
It's a great idea in theory, but a Leftardian shitshow in practice.
“It's a great idea in theory,”
Not really. For there to be a benefit of being in a union, the union must be exclusive. Because if everyone is in a union, then no one is in a union.
Voluntary union membership and negotiation are ok I guess, but peaceful collective bargaining only benefits the union members who are weaker workers and negotiators.
That’s just in theory, because in practice there is no peaceful union collective bargaining. The government agency the National Labor Relations Board uses threats of violence to force employers to negotiate with the unions. Without that government violence, employers could avoid the unions, and strikes would become temporarily inconvenient gimmicks.
I was never in a union either but they do make sense in the trades. My Dad drove a bulldozer and was a member of Local 98 Operating Engineers. He might work for six different contractors throughout the year. They provided his salary, the union provided the health benefits. How hard would it be to enroll/unenroll every couple months?
Unions for the skilled trades make sense, it should always be an option. But, public sector, teachers, nurses, doctors, engineers - probably not.