Are trade unions relevant any more?

Question

Do people see the point of joing trade unions these days?

I am a member and think they have an important roel in a democratic and fair society, but it seems to me that few people join these days?

What are your views, for and against...

Answer 1

im for - the can mediate in any dispute between u and you employer and if it needs court action - they have excellent solicitors

Answer 2

Everyone knows that unions negotiate with companies for wages and benefits.  They also are responsible for maintaining good working conditions.  

Safety in the workplace has been greatly improved because of unions.  This is widely overlooked.

From my personal experience, places without unions are far more dangerous environments.

Because safety is an ongoing concern no matter how big or small a company is, I think unions will always have an important and relevant role in the workplace.

Answer 3

They are basically political organisations, and I don't support their left wing politics.

If they don't want to represent me, why on earth should I want to join oine.

Answer 4

All things are cyclical....... In the early 20th century workers were treated horribly, 6 /10 hr days, no vacation, no benefits, the workers unionized and fought for better conditions, as non union companies watched they offered the same type benefits and pay to compete for workers and to prevent a union form getting into their  companyies.....as employers started treating employees more fairly, fair wages, good benefits, etc....the need for a union decreased.......... but as more and more good paying jobs leave the country, many are no longer offered benefits......the unions will make a comeback....

Answer 5

Unions are the only say an employee has about their pay and work conditions.  In today's corporate workplace with ever increasing deregulation, they are more relevant today than ever.

Answer 6

People today, in all professions, enjoy a reasonable work week, weekends off, reasonably safe working conditions, various work place harrassment banned, a ton of benefits.  Much of this is due to unions illuminating the work place problems that existed that only they were able to solve, then later became mandated for all in law.

Over time, thanks to a government hostile to workers, and pro-businesses that seek to maximize profits by exporting jobs to nations whose work force has no such protections, competition is eroding those benefits.  This pressure leads to the union won benefits laws being dismantled.  

Many of us now have to work far in excess of 40 hour week, and not get any overtime pay.  We can be let go on a whim.  Employees working for decent benefits, in safe conditions ... we cannot compete with people who are treated like dirt, slaves.  Ultimately all the good jobs will be gone & the only people working, will be those treated like dirt.

Will anyone protect future generations, or are they doomed to the lowest quality working conditions?

Unions have helped to contribute to their own demise by using tactics intended not to protect the workers, but to further contribute to hostile working conditions.  I have been a personal witness to behavior by unions that is indistinguishable from organized crime.

Unions need to figure out how to do self-policing of their "industry" so as to win back the respect of the people they supposedly are to protect.

Answer 7

yes they are i was a member of the old   M U V B  un till they was taken over by the  T G W U  and im still a payed up member

to this day i say bring back the closed shop and we all stand                

for wots right

Answer 8

Not any more. They are now being led by self-serving individuals drawn into those positions by fat salaries and future intentions of becoming MPs.

Answer 9

I was a shop steward in my earlier days but totally disillusioned with the ineffectiveness of the unions,you ask the question are trade unions relevant any more? , my straight answer to that is ,<have they ever been, relevant>?

Answer 10

In my experience they fulfill no real place in the modern workplace. Simply because the employer is pretty well tied up with legislation. As far as pay is concerned unions in the past used to do 'deals' with employers on some occasions where parts of the workforce would be released to allow others to receive a pay increase. I have friends who belong to unions (NHS) and they say that they are a waste of time.

Answer 11

the elite have convinced us that it is bad for us

it is true that power can be abused both ways

but united, any group can get fair wages

it is time to bring unions back

Answer 12

Trade unions were started to combat downright dangerous and abusive conditions by some (notice - not "all") companies who were taking advantage of workers.

However, modern-day Unions simply exist to make the Union Bosses rich.  

Every year, they negotiate contracts for MORE pay, MORE benefits, MORE time off, and production quotas that require the workers to do LESS work.

The Unions are the sole reason so many jobs are being outsourced..... when the union demands 18 dollars an hour for a 12 dollar an hour job, it makes 3 cents a day in China the ONLY way the companies can stay in business.