Labor Unions - A Necessity
My grandpa was a Republican his entire adult life. He also was a small business owner… and an outspoken advocate of unions and union membership.
He saw unions as necessary to grow a good future for the “regular guy” and to provide vocational choice protections. He was right. Businessmen look out for one another through various organizations, associations, political contacts and the prudent use of contracts. Unions, if done right, provide for the employees the same good business practices long recognized by business owners and managers as essential for business success.
Many have forgotten that the American middle class owes its very existence to unions. Who brought the employers to the bargaining table? The unions did.
FACT: Under Arkansas law, what employers give, they can take away… arbitrarily and with impunity – unless there is a contract. Individual employees have minimal rights at best and can lose all, much or most, at the whim of the employer. Employers are quick to say “Trust me”, but why then won’t they put it in a contract? Our bosses realize the business benefits of contracts… why do some employees not?
With active local control and local people in charge, unions will reflect the character and concerns of the employees represented, including the continued well-being of the business they are in. Union jobs historically have and will pay more, have better benefits and working conditions, and will be more secure.
Being nearly 3 years into a legal battle to regain my job and life investment of 28 years, lost for just contacting a union to protect myself and my fellow employees, I believe it crucial that all employees, especially middle-aged and older employees, become educated about their rights under the law and the potential real benefits and safeguards available to them through union membership.
He saw unions as necessary to grow a good future for the “regular guy” and to provide vocational choice protections. He was right. Businessmen look out for one another through various organizations, associations, political contacts and the prudent use of contracts. Unions, if done right, provide for the employees the same good business practices long recognized by business owners and managers as essential for business success.
Many have forgotten that the American middle class owes its very existence to unions. Who brought the employers to the bargaining table? The unions did.
FACT: Under Arkansas law, what employers give, they can take away… arbitrarily and with impunity – unless there is a contract. Individual employees have minimal rights at best and can lose all, much or most, at the whim of the employer. Employers are quick to say “Trust me”, but why then won’t they put it in a contract? Our bosses realize the business benefits of contracts… why do some employees not?
With active local control and local people in charge, unions will reflect the character and concerns of the employees represented, including the continued well-being of the business they are in. Union jobs historically have and will pay more, have better benefits and working conditions, and will be more secure.
Being nearly 3 years into a legal battle to regain my job and life investment of 28 years, lost for just contacting a union to protect myself and my fellow employees, I believe it crucial that all employees, especially middle-aged and older employees, become educated about their rights under the law and the potential real benefits and safeguards available to them through union membership.
posted by Dale Morfey at 11:55 AM
1 Comments:
FYI... My case was settled, in my favor, but only after the company appealed all the way to the D.C. Court of Appeals (lost on a unanimous verdict). It took 4 years.
I was represented by the Union I contacted... at no charge. I found them to be highly principled, caring and dedicated to fighting for justice.
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