Enjoying Your Holiday? Thank a Union Member!
Azdak
Posts: 8,281 Member
I know it's popular to bash unions, but as we all get to celebrate Labor Day, it's always good to remind everyone that the only reason you have a holiday is because of the struggle and courage of union workers. In fact, almost every benefit and privilege you enjoy on your job, whether you belong to a union or not, was won for you by a union.
These include:
40 hour work week (I know that is a fantasy for many people now, but the concept still exists)
Overtime pay
Paid holidays
Paid vacation
Health, life, and disability insurance
Workmen's Compensation
Safe and healthy working conditions
Pensions/401K programs
Family and medical leave
These benefits have become so ingrained in our society, many people assume they have always existed. But, in fact, none of them did before the rise of unions.
Unions campaigned to end child labor laws, for the minimum wage, for the rights of due process for workers, and for worker privacy. They have fought for health and safety rules and worker training. For almost all non-executive occupations, union workers earn more than their non-union counterparts--and that difference persists across gender and ethnic groups.
I am not blind to problems that have existed within unions. The history or organized crime involvement is well known (although OC involvement in unions was often facilitated, tolerated, and supported by corporate executives and politicians). Like any large organization, in the 1970s, some larger unions became bureaucratic, moribund institutions, dedicated more to maintain their own privilege and status at the expense of both workers and business.
But I think overall, the positive effects of unions in American society have more than offset the negatives. The middle class that has sustained our society and economy since WWII was created largely by union workers. As John F Kennedy once said:
It's ironic that while no one questions the right of businesses to act collectively to support THEIR own interests--lobbying groups, trade associations, chambers of commerce, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc--many people become outraged, apoplectic with rage that workers would dare to do the same thing. It's a peculiar tenet of American culture and one that does not serve us well.
So while you are free to think that unions are an historical anachronism that is no longer needed, while you are enjoying your holiday today, at least take a moment to acknowledge and thank those who made it possible.
These include:
40 hour work week (I know that is a fantasy for many people now, but the concept still exists)
Overtime pay
Paid holidays
Paid vacation
Health, life, and disability insurance
Workmen's Compensation
Safe and healthy working conditions
Pensions/401K programs
Family and medical leave
These benefits have become so ingrained in our society, many people assume they have always existed. But, in fact, none of them did before the rise of unions.
Unions campaigned to end child labor laws, for the minimum wage, for the rights of due process for workers, and for worker privacy. They have fought for health and safety rules and worker training. For almost all non-executive occupations, union workers earn more than their non-union counterparts--and that difference persists across gender and ethnic groups.
I am not blind to problems that have existed within unions. The history or organized crime involvement is well known (although OC involvement in unions was often facilitated, tolerated, and supported by corporate executives and politicians). Like any large organization, in the 1970s, some larger unions became bureaucratic, moribund institutions, dedicated more to maintain their own privilege and status at the expense of both workers and business.
But I think overall, the positive effects of unions in American society have more than offset the negatives. The middle class that has sustained our society and economy since WWII was created largely by union workers. As John F Kennedy once said:
The American labor movement has consistently demonstrated its devotion to the public interest. It is, and has been, good for all America. Those who would destroy or further limit the rights of organized labor--those who cripple collective bargaining or prevent organization of the unorganized--do a disservice to the cause of democracy."
It's ironic that while no one questions the right of businesses to act collectively to support THEIR own interests--lobbying groups, trade associations, chambers of commerce, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc--many people become outraged, apoplectic with rage that workers would dare to do the same thing. It's a peculiar tenet of American culture and one that does not serve us well.
So while you are free to think that unions are an historical anachronism that is no longer needed, while you are enjoying your holiday today, at least take a moment to acknowledge and thank those who made it possible.
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Replies
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Thanks, unions!0
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Thanks for the post!
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" NB
But... shouldn't we be "celebrating" unemployment day?0 -
Thanks for the post. You nicely summarized what I've been thinking all day. Here in Canada the public sector workers are under attack by the governments at the same time as the headlines are touting the improving economy, the unparalleled big 5 bank profits and the head of the Bank of Canada is admonishing the corporate world for hanging on to huge amounts of cash. It's a strange world.0
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What? I thought if we gave more money to the mega rich they would turn around and do nice things for workers just because they are so darn swell. You mean to say that mking the rich richer isn't why 10 yr olds aren't working in coal mines?? [/sarcasm]0
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Yep, the irony of "Labor Day" in America - labor without much labor! In fact, I read two articles this week that the majority of workers choose to work more hours and are not using their earned time off. They blantantly choose work over family time. It boggles the mind that workers really still think that their productivity is appreciated and even protected. It is "valued" alright, at market rates and to the lowest bidder.
I asked the Target cashier yesterday if she was enjoying her labor-labor day, rather guilty that I had to shop. She told me that it wasn't bad at all and she had no right to complain.
Oh, but the Labor Unions are the big problem, the crux, the a-holes - yea right.
You gotta laugh at the insanity.
-Debra0 -
That's why I keep hoping a Libertarian will win the White House someday soon. Then Americans can get a real dose of what life is like without socialism (as any government interference in the free market is socialism).
They'll quickly stop using it as a curse word if they ever have to live without its benefits and protections, marginal though they may be in America.0 -
As a Texan, I will thank my boss and not unions. He doesn't have to give me Labor Day off. He chooses to. Of course, Texans are smart enough to realize that labor unions outlived their usefulness 100 years ago. But we're thankful they are currently bankrupting businesses in other states, who then relocate to Texas, create jobs for our people, and improve our economy. The rest of you can dwell in the liberal union Shangri-Las you've created. Detroit anyone?
Government regulation has more than taken care of all the things unions USED TO be necessary for. Modern unions are parasites, serving no purpose except to cripple business to ensure their own continuance. They are the antithesis of free markets. And public sector unions are one of the many scourges upon America.0 -
Non-union states are just speed bumps on the way to Asia and Latin America. But that's okay, because it's the American dream to compete with workers who are forced into 80 hour work weeks (no overtime!).
It's also wonderful that we get to compete with child labor, prison labor, and against murderous but extremely business friendly dictatorships. Not to mention those gloriously unsafe working conditions and industrial pollution for miles around!
I for one can't wait until America is truly competitive in the global market. Because I don't plan to be living here when that happens.0 -
As a Texan, I will thank my boss and not unions. He doesn't have to give me Labor Day off. He chooses to. Of course, Texans are smart enough to realize that labor unions outlived their usefulness 100 years ago. But we're thankful they are currently bankrupting businesses in other states, who then relocate to Texas, create jobs for our people, and improve our economy. The rest of you can dwell in the liberal union Shangri-Las you've created. Detroit anyone?
Government regulation has more than taken care of all the things unions USED TO be necessary for. Modern unions are parasites, serving no purpose except to cripple business to ensure their own continuance. They are the antithesis of free markets. And public sector unions are one of the many scourges upon America.
I quit taking the post seriously after "Texans are smart enough".0 -
As a Texan, I will thank my boss and not unions. He doesn't have to give me Labor Day off. He chooses to.
What would you say if your now benevolent boss decided that the bottom line would be much better if your pay was cut and you didn't need to have those pesky days off?0 -
Ahh yes, every boss is a **** and slave trader. Without some dude in a suit, we would all be working 100+ hours a week for pennies.
You know what makes an employer more friendly? An employee market and good economy. That way they have to compete for the best workers on the market and work to retain the good ones.
Unions are nothing more than a democratic fundraising machine, I'll be glade when they go the way of the dinosaur.
If you don't like your boss, then find another job.
I hope that was a joke Adrian, I'd hate to think a guy who repeatedly gets robbed at the barber could think so highly of himself.0 -
Ahh yes, every boss is a **** and slave trader. Without some dude in a suit, we would all be working 100+ hours a week for pennies.
You know what makes an employer more friendly? An employee market and good economy. That way they have to compete for the best workers on the market and work to retain the good ones.
Unions are nothing more than a democratic fundraising machine, I'll be glade when they go the way of the dinosaur.
If you don't like your boss, then find another job.
I hope that was a joke Adrian, I'd hate to think a guy who repeatedly gets robbed at the barber could think so highly of himself.
Hair joke...HILARIOUS. And let me guess, you are a conservative. With a name like Angry guy, it's sort of a given. So maybe I'm wrong, maybe you're not a conservative....but I'm gonna rag on cons anyways. Why is it the same angry people who constantly lament how they hate the government, want less government control, less gov interference.....now want to rely on the government to protect their rights as a worker. Are you kidding? Just like the government protected those regulations on Wall Street that were tossed out the window and lead to a financial disaster?
And who said every boss is a slave trader? Did I miss it? But, then again, I find it funny that you can only see enough of the issue to make statements like "if you don't like your boss, find another job." How about this, if you don't like Unions, don't work a union job. Same argument.
But as far as Unions being bloated, corrupt, I agree. Being a moderate means you can see both sides of the issue, and I can see where Unions are trouble. But I can also see that in these third world countries and China where these awesome bosses outsourced jobs that used to go to union men and women, they're worker rights are for **** and they are still getting in trouble over using child labor. But I am sure they had their employees best interests at heart.0 -
Ahh yes, every boss is a **** and slave trader. Without some dude in a suit, we would all be working 100+ hours a week for pennies.
You know what makes an employer more friendly? An employee market and good economy. That way they have to compete for the best workers on the market and work to retain the good ones.
Unions are nothing more than a democratic fundraising machine, I'll be glade when they go the way of the dinosaur.
If you don't like your boss, then find another job.
I hope that was a joke Adrian, I'd hate to think a guy who repeatedly gets robbed at the barber could think so highly of himself.
Hair joke...HILARIOUS. And let me guess, you are a conservative. With a name like Angry guy, it's sort of a given. So maybe I'm wrong, maybe you're not a conservative....but I'm gonna rag on cons anyways. Why is it the same angry people who constantly lament how they hate the government, want less government control, less gov interference.....now want to rely on the government to protect their rights as a worker. Are you kidding? Just like the government protected those regulations on Wall Street that were tossed out the window and lead to a financial disaster?
And who said every boss is a slave trader? Did I miss it? But, then again, I find it funny that you can only see enough of the issue to make statements like "if you don't like your boss, find another job." How about this, if you don't like Unions, don't work a union job. Same argument.
But as far as Unions being bloated, corrupt, I agree. Being a moderate means you can see both sides of the issue, and I can see where Unions are trouble. But I can also see that in these third world countries and China where these awesome bosses outsourced jobs that used to go to union men and women, they're worker rights are for **** and they are still getting in trouble over using child labor. But I am sure they had their employees best interests at heart.
So you weren't joking-nice.
"Why is it the same angry people who constantly lament how they hate the government, want less government control, less gov interference.....now want to rely on the government to protect their rights as a worker."
I suspect you don't know the ideological difference between a conservative and a libertarian with that line.
I'd bet that you for liberal candidates more than conservative. I also suspect you think Obama is moderate.0 -
Ahh yes, every boss is a **** and slave trader. Without some dude in a suit, we would all be working 100+ hours a week for pennies.
You know what makes an employer more friendly? An employee market and good economy. That way they have to compete for the best workers on the market and work to retain the good ones.
Unions are nothing more than a democratic fundraising machine, I'll be glade when they go the way of the dinosaur.
If you don't like your boss, then find another job.
I hope that was a joke Adrian, I'd hate to think a guy who repeatedly gets robbed at the barber could think so highly of himself.
Hair joke...HILARIOUS. And let me guess, you are a conservative. With a name like Angry guy, it's sort of a given. So maybe I'm wrong, maybe you're not a conservative....but I'm gonna rag on cons anyways. Why is it the same angry people who constantly lament how they hate the government, want less government control, less gov interference.....now want to rely on the government to protect their rights as a worker. Are you kidding? Just like the government protected those regulations on Wall Street that were tossed out the window and lead to a financial disaster?
And who said every boss is a slave trader? Did I miss it? But, then again, I find it funny that you can only see enough of the issue to make statements like "if you don't like your boss, find another job." How about this, if you don't like Unions, don't work a union job. Same argument.
But as far as Unions being bloated, corrupt, I agree. Being a moderate means you can see both sides of the issue, and I can see where Unions are trouble. But I can also see that in these third world countries and China where these awesome bosses outsourced jobs that used to go to union men and women, they're worker rights are for **** and they are still getting in trouble over using child labor. But I am sure they had their employees best interests at heart.
So you weren't joking-nice.
"Why is it the same angry people who constantly lament how they hate the government, want less government control, less gov interference.....now want to rely on the government to protect their rights as a worker."
I suspect you don't know the ideological difference between a conservative and a libertarian with that line.
I'd bet that you for liberal candidates more than conservative. I also suspect you think Obama is moderate.
Oh come on. The comment about Texas was begging to be made. When you state a comment automatically asserting that a certain group is "smart enough to know" it is apparent that you are linking the opposition to being not as smart. Suprised that you are jumping all over me, but have yet to apply your righteous justice to the original statement.
Second, you are right. I orignally made a mistake and none of the conservatives I know complain about large, interfering government. It's all the libertatians I know who hate unions. Except not.
And I have voted for both parties in my life time, but as Republicans move farther and farther away from any sense of moderation and continually campaign on BS moral platforms they themselves almost NEVER live up to, it's harder to find one I'd vote for. Although I did vote for Ron Paul in the Indiana primaries.0 -
We can also thank unions for more mechanized factories in order to reduce accidents (which isn't a bad thing per se), thus cutting the workforce needed to build just about everything.
I am not so deluded to think that unions didn't have their usefulness (as stated above in the OP) and they didn't accomplish good things for all workers... but I'm not so delusional either to think they can't be just as greedy and self-serving as any corporation.0 -
My holiday sucked. Thanks unions.0
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Who wants to collectively bargain for their rights as workers? That's obviously for Socialists.0
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That's liberal fascist communist socialists thankyouverymuch. :laugh:Who wants to collectively bargain for their rights as workers? That's obviously for Socialists.0 -
We can also thank unions for more mechanized factories in order to reduce accidents (which isn't a bad thing per se), thus cutting the workforce needed to build just about everything.
I am not so deluded to think that unions didn't have their usefulness (as stated above in the OP) and they didn't accomplish good things for all workers... but I'm not so delusional either to think they can't be just as greedy and self-serving as any corporation.
This. STATE LAWS make sure that my boss is paying me, letting me have a lunch break, and getting paid overtime when an hourly employee. I feel that when you work on a salary, overtime is included in your annual income.
The Unions may have helped to put those laws into place but all they are doing now is driving up the price of the products they produce by their ridiculous wages and perks they assure their members get. They don't fight for fair wages for those they represent anymore. They work for greed.0 -
We can also thank unions for more mechanized factories in order to reduce accidents (which isn't a bad thing per se), thus cutting the workforce needed to build just about everything.
I am not so deluded to think that unions didn't have their usefulness (as stated above in the OP) and they didn't accomplish good things for all workers... but I'm not so delusional either to think they can't be just as greedy and self-serving as any corporation.
This. STATE LAWS make sure that my boss is paying me, letting me have a lunch break, and getting paid overtime when an hourly employee. I feel that when you work on a salary, overtime is included in your annual income.
The Unions may have helped to put those laws into place but all they are doing now is driving up the price of the products they produce by their ridiculous wages and perks they assure their members get. They don't fight for fair wages for those they represent anymore. They work for greed.
But you do realize that those STATE LAWS are constantly under attack by business, right? While I will agree that it often seems as though Unions have become a third party in labor negotiations while looking out for their own interest, I still believe that unions have a place and need in this system.0 -
We can also thank unions for more mechanized factories in order to reduce accidents (which isn't a bad thing per se), thus cutting the workforce needed to build just about everything.
I am not so deluded to think that unions didn't have their usefulness (as stated above in the OP) and they didn't accomplish good things for all workers... but I'm not so delusional either to think they can't be just as greedy and self-serving as any corporation.
This. STATE LAWS make sure that my boss is paying me, letting me have a lunch break, and getting paid overtime when an hourly employee. I feel that when you work on a salary, overtime is included in your annual income.
The Unions may have helped to put those laws into place but all they are doing now is driving up the price of the products they produce by their ridiculous wages and perks they assure their members get. They don't fight for fair wages for those they represent anymore. They work for greed.
But you do realize that those STATE LAWS are constantly under attack by business, right? While I will agree that it often seems as though Unions have become a third party in labor negotiations while looking out for their own interest, I still believe that unions have a place and need in this system.
In that respect I can agree with the point... but when it comes to labor negotiations, there are times when the Unions just go to far... one instance I remember was a place my husband worked at... the UAW chapter that worked for the company my husband worked for at the time, went on strike when they wouldn't accept a reasonable compromise in health insurance deductables and when the company wouldn't approve 10% raises (I can't remember if it was 10% across 3 years or if it was 10% every year for three years, I would have to look it up in the paper archives)... this was back in 2008 when thousands were losing their jobs what seemed like daily.... the company (both the Main company and the subsidiary my husband worked for) were even laying off people what seemed like every other quarter at that point... but the union STILL went on strike. The company decided to raise their deductables from $0 (which non-union workers sure didn't get, because we had a $2550 deductible that year... which in my opinion, still isn't as bad as other people's I have heard) to I want to say $800... well they didn't like that, so the company compromised and said, "Ok, then, you still will have an $800 deductible but we will add an extra $700 (to the already up to $750 the company already put in each year) to your HSA, thus making it essentially an $100 deductible... but that was still unacceptible to the union.... So the workers went on strike, the engineers and other non-union workers did not only their work, but the work that is usually under the union contracts.... the company also brought in workers that had been put on a forced unpaid furlough from another subsidiary to work... and housed them... During this time, productivity went up, accidents and mistakes went down.... They took this strike as an opportunity to find missing tools (that would be in people's lockers) and to get rid of any extraneous chairs that did not belong to a computer workstation... as well as, getting rid of microwaves and refrigerators in areas that were not designated break areas, because the workers were eating in areas that were supposed to be clean areas... My husband would also get marks against him from the unions because he would have to do the work himself (thus taking work away from the union worker) because they just wouldn't do it.
I think many times (and I'm not saying in all people or in all instances) unions can foster a feeling of complacency among workers. I have heard and seen so many times that there would be union workers that would make mistakes on purpose so that they would have to redo it so they could get overtime doing it. Even my grandparents, who were all union workers in Ohio during it's hayday, aren't happy with the direction unions are going.
Again, while unions may be needed to protect workers rights.... there are still many times, in this day and age after the hayday of unions, where non-unionized shops pay their employees much better and have much better benefit packages in order to keep their employees from unionizing... that's how bad unions look to companies now.0 -
Somewhat off topic, but my cousin was about to be fired from her hourly job earlier this year, and part of last year, because she was taking too many breaks.
Bathroom breaks.
Because she was pregnant.
The union helped her keep her job.
I admittedly don't know much about unions, but hey, apparently they're still working out somewhere.0 -
As a Texan, I will thank my boss and not unions. He doesn't have to give me Labor Day off. He chooses to. Of course, Texans are smart enough to realize that labor unions outlived their usefulness 100 years ago. But we're thankful they are currently bankrupting businesses in other states, who then relocate to Texas, create jobs for our people, and improve our economy. The rest of you can dwell in the liberal union Shangri-Las you've created. Detroit anyone?
Government regulation has more than taken care of all the things unions USED TO be necessary for. Modern unions are parasites, serving no purpose except to cripple business to ensure their own continuance. They are the antithesis of free markets. And public sector unions are one of the many scourges upon America.
That doesn't sound brainwashed at ALL.
Also, I agree with Adrian--LOL at your ignorant "Texas > everyone else" attitude.0 -
Somewhat off topic, but my cousin was about to be fired from her hourly job earlier this year, and part of last year, because she was taking too many breaks.
Bathroom breaks.
Because she was pregnant.
The union helped her keep her job.
I admittedly don't know much about unions, but hey, apparently they're still working out somewhere.
In that case, I agree that unions did their job.0 -
http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/10/us/illinois-chicago-teachers-strike/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
Thank you Unions!!!
Chicago offered teachers a 16% pay increase over the next 4 years. Most people would be happy just to work in this economy. Many of us took pay decreases to keep our jobs. What do Chicago teachers do? They go on strike.0 -
http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/10/us/illinois-chicago-teachers-strike/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
Thank you Unions!!!
Chicago offered teachers a 16% pay increase over the next 4 years. Most people would be happy just to work in this economy. Many of us took pay decreases to keep our jobs. What do Chicago teachers do? They go on strike.
I read the article. The strike is not about pay.0 -
http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/10/us/illinois-chicago-teachers-strike/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
Thank you Unions!!!
Chicago offered teachers a 16% pay increase over the next 4 years. Most people would be happy just to work in this economy. Many of us took pay decreases to keep our jobs. What do Chicago teachers do? They go on strike.
I read the article. The strike is not about pay.
This is directly from the article.
"Sticking points for the union and the school system included issues such as compensation, job security, merit pay and an evaluation system."
So two of the three issues deal with pay. I grouped merit pay with an evaluation system since they go together.0 -
http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/10/us/illinois-chicago-teachers-strike/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
Thank you Unions!!!
Chicago offered teachers a 16% pay increase over the next 4 years. Most people would be happy just to work in this economy. Many of us took pay decreases to keep our jobs. What do Chicago teachers do? They go on strike.
I read the article. The strike is not about pay.
Emmanuel came into office planning on a major confrontation with the teachers. He expected to use the current economy and the general distaste for teacher strikes to roll over the teachers union so he could dictate terms to them the way he does everyone else. He went out of his way to pick a fight and now he's got one. This is a perfect example of the important role that unions play in both the public and private sectors. Without the power and leverage of collective bargaining, rank and file teachers would be powerless against whatever personal agenda a current politician wanted to push, regardless of the negative effects on schools and students. In this case, you have a new guy trying to prove himself and a strong adversary fighting back. Personally, I think this strike was inevitable--Rahm was determined to prove he is the top dog and test the resolve of the teachers, no matter what. The teachers realize that sometimes you have to smack a bully in the face to get his attention and respect.0 -
http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/10/us/illinois-chicago-teachers-strike/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
Thank you Unions!!!
Chicago offered teachers a 16% pay increase over the next 4 years. Most people would be happy just to work in this economy. Many of us took pay decreases to keep our jobs. What do Chicago teachers do? They go on strike.
I read the article. The strike is not about pay.
This is directly from the article.
"Sticking points for the union and the school system included issues such as compensation, job security, merit pay and an evaluation system."
So two of the three issues deal with pay. I grouped merit pay with an evaluation system since they go together.
The article also said they were close on most issues, except the evaluation system.
We also have a dispute between our provincial government and teachers in Ontario. I don't know about Chicago, but here, teachers have been used as political footballs for years. Whenever a government picks a fight with public employees, I always figure that there's something else going on and they're looking for a distraction for the public to take away attention from other issues.0 -
http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/10/us/illinois-chicago-teachers-strike/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
Thank you Unions!!!
Chicago offered teachers a 16% pay increase over the next 4 years. Most people would be happy just to work in this economy. Many of us took pay decreases to keep our jobs. What do Chicago teachers do? They go on strike.
I read the article. The strike is not about pay.
This is directly from the article.
"Sticking points for the union and the school system included issues such as compensation, job security, merit pay and an evaluation system."
So two of the three issues deal with pay. I grouped merit pay with an evaluation system since they go together.
The article also said they were close on most issues, except the evaluation system.
We also have a dispute between our provincial government and teachers in Ontario. I don't know about Chicago, but here, teachers have been used as political footballs for years. Whenever a government picks a fight with public employees, I always figure that there's something else going on and they're looking for a distraction for the public to take away attention from other issues.
Don't know about the distraction, but in the US, the teachers serve as the convenient excuse for whatever perceived deficiencies exist in the school systems, and teacher unions make perfect scapegoats for people too lazy to address the issues honestly.0
This discussion has been closed.