Let's Have A Pro/Con Discussion On Unions

[Don M.]

My old Dad was a member of the Teamsters Union. He grew up on the farm, only went to school through the 8th grade, then embarked on a life of hard work. We moved to the city when I was about 5 years old, and he became a truck driver. His membership in the Union gave us sufficient funds to live a decent life, and gave him and Mom a good retirement. Luckily, by the time corruption began to destroy that union, the folks were "grandfathered" into their retirement funding.
I think Unions are a good thing, and are about the Only defense most workers have to prevent being taken advantage of.

 

[fuzzybuddy]

I became disabled when I was 50. It came out of left field. Where I worked had a union. If it weren't for the things the union bargained for, I would be homeless. Medicare doesn't cover everything. I'm on 10 different medications. There is absolutely no way I could afford those meds, a place to live, food and clothing on Social Security. Yes, I bitched about the union dues. But I am so damn glad I paid them.
And as far a corruption is concerned, name an organization that hasn't smacked of corruption.

 

[Timetrvlr]

I believe in strong unions that protect workers from the excesses of bad managers.

 

[ray188]

I believe in strong unions that protect workers from the excesses of bad managers.

I agree. However, as we have seen in the past and from some prior posts, protection is also needed from bad union management. Right to work laws provide that.