- NEW!
by Bookworm on June 12th, 2009
No, when properly organized they act as a check/balance system between employers and employees.
Really good ones "police" the employees as much as the employers. (Meaning a union will require proper certifications/education/work ethics . . .)
by dea_ex_machina on July 23rd, 2009
I would rather you specify unions in USA.. because they act differently in other countries. For example, I am an active member of a trades union - but do not make demands! I support members' needs, but have not called a strike - and indeed, cannot do that!
The role of the trades unions in UK has changed enormously in the past few years - to one of campaigning and supporting rather than a radical demand based organisation. My union, nationally has produced materials for schools to use in anti-racism campaigns, has held anti-racism concerts, holds annual art competitions usually related to ethical themes (this year, cultural inclusion), supports and hosts national sporting events etc... I cannot see any threat to democracy there
by Siyanor on June 12th, 2009
Powerful unions are a threat, but if they're relatively weak, it's more democratic to have them than not to have them.
by Sharona Life is a Tale Told by an Idiot on July 23rd, 2009
They are a necessary balance as well as management is.
by centsless on July 23rd, 2009
No more than business associations.
by -O-uknow on July 23rd, 2009
In many ways they ensure democracy or at least fairness. Do you really want to count on the generousity of corporate leaders who have treated you so well in the past?
by Evanfris25 on July 23rd, 2009
no. but they are to capitalism.
by RC loves ice cream on June 12th, 2009
Not necessarily. Powerful ones can abuse their power though.
by Pablo on August 28th, 2009
NO~but the American Unions are losing their clout in
these hard economic times
by IntotheForge on July 23rd, 2009
Only if they don't police their own members, like the teacher's union.
by Sodahead on July 23rd, 2009
Yes but more importantly they are a threat to the Nations economy.
by Firebrand on July 23rd, 2009
If they gain too much power as they did in the UK in the 60/70s they are certainly a threat to the economy.
by Kris Kringle on July 23rd, 2009
In my country they currently are a threat to everything we have worked during the past 20 years. But that may be because radical groups are manipulating these unions towards insurgency and permanente disconformity.
To say in few words: they are a threat to democracy.
by marymel on July 24th, 2009
No,they bring balance
by Green Goblin on July 23rd, 2009
No.
by itinary on July 23rd, 2009
Problem with unions is after sometime they will loose their focus and will stand only for rights. They can not enforce their members to work harder.
Members also will only be looking for rights.
Unions are very good if they can work both ways. Like make their people work harder and negotiate for them to employers for the rights.
We can see that most of the unions tend to go communists too in many parts of the world.
What do you think of this statement? "Union membership is one of the most elemental human rights." - Ronald Reagan
by Wynper on February 23rd, 2011
| 8 people like this
Whether you are a union or non union worker how have some of these union actions affected your life?
by Wynper on March 1st, 2011
| 3 people like this
Are there any AB members who belong to a Union who are against collective bargaining?
by RosieGHM Jetpacker on March 6th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
Prisoners forming a union? What do you think of this:
by DA BEN DAN yanggui zi on March 16th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
I am now working in a company producing LED panels. I haven't sold a product now. I want to know how can I find my customers? Thank you.
by susanzhang007 on December 3rd, 2010
| 1 person likes this
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Comments
Indeed. Like all things it can be bastardized, but it is a very good thing when it's ran properly.
by Nasiswand on July 23rd, 2009