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Labor laws can exist without unions--for a while, but unions are also partly responsible for some of the labor laws passed in the first half of the 20th century. Workers' rights didn't just come out of thin air. They had to be fought for and advocated by groups of people--including labor unions, and I believe that in an ideal world, unions act as a check against corporate power and exploitation. Likewise, companies can act as a check against union excesses.
Unfortunately, in many cases the unions have too much power and can really harm their employers (and consequently and ironically put their own jobs in jeopardy).
Even if unions were responsible for some of the labor laws passed in the early 20th century, why does that mean they always have to be responsible for labor laws? Why can't labor laws just be like all other laws? We can vote for lawmakers who will support or oppose the laws we want, we can use the initiative and referendum process if allowed in our state, etc. We can write our representatives, we can form interest groups, etc. You don't need unions with collective bargaining rights to have a voice in the laws.
But, that's beside the point because no one is talking about taking away collective bargaining rights (except of course for those in the public sector in some states).
Quote:
Originally Posted by mackinac81
But I truly believe in the depths of my soul that if the right of workers to organize and bargain for wages, protection and benefits--which I fear will be crippled by right to work laws--is hindered too much, then all of those rights that were fought for all those years ago will just wither away because there will be nobody to advocate for them.
Has all the doom and gloom happened in the 22 states where right to work laws have existed for over a decade?
No...
Last edited by afoigrokerkok; 02-01-2012 at 07:04 PM..
Geez, have you looked worker pay and benefits lately?
What's your solution? Vote for more GOP, wreck union power, and lessen regulation on those poor Billionaires?
The workers are free to pay union dues should they want to. Why are you so anti-choice? And, last I checked, I earn a very good living without a union to "protect" me.
Has all the doom and gloom happened in the 22 states where right to work laws have existed for over a decade?
No...
Some disagree.
New Hampshire rejected right to work when 41 Republican legislators concluded that the policy would harm rather than help their state
In Oklahoma, after being promised by those pushing the law, that new companies and jobs would increase ten-fold, in the 10 years since the law was passed, the number of new companies entering the state decreased, the number of manufacturing jobs in the state decreased by 1/3.
New Hampshire rejected right to work when 41 Republican legislators concluded that the policy would harm rather than help their state
In Oklahoma, after being promised by those pushing the law, that new companies and jobs would increase ten-fold, in the 10 years since the law was passed, the number of new companies entering the state decreased, the number of manufacturing jobs in the state decreased by 1/3.
I guess plenty of Indiana unionized workers have so long abhorred the union having the right to take money out of all of their paychecks, that they will now be all to glad now to become free loaders and eventually starve out the union until they are rid of it.
Now Indiana will be more attractive for companies on the outside to come in with low paying jobs, since getting a new union established is harder under right to work. But I reckon a lot of people in Indiana think that is a heck of a lot better than no jobs coming in.
If it wasn't for the energy energy prospering, Oklahoma would be a lot worse place under right to work.
The workers are free to pay union dues should they want to. Why are you so anti-choice? And, last I checked, I earn a very good living without a union to "protect" me.
There can't be a choice. What kind of a company is going to let one guy make $40 per hour and a new guy come in who want's to be management someday and work for $18 per hour. How is that ever going to work?
Unfortunately, in many cases the unions have too much power and can really harm their employers (and consequently and ironically put their own jobs in jeopardy).
Even if unions were responsible for some of the labor laws passed in the early 20th century, why does that mean they always have to be responsible for labor laws? Why can't labor laws just be like all other laws? We can vote for lawmakers who will support or oppose the laws we want, we can use the initiative and referendum process if allowed in our state, etc. We can write our representatives, we can form interest groups, etc. You don't need unions with collective bargaining rights to have a voice in the laws.
But, that's beside the point because no one is talking about taking away collective bargaining rights (except of course for those in the public sector in some states).
Has all the doom and gloom happened in the 22 states where right to work laws have existed for over a decade?
No...
Because human beings are inherently corrupt and greedy. If you put a few people in charge of workers they will take advantage of them eventually. Unions make sure the employees are treated fairly and negotiate as one so no one can play favorites.
I think office workers should look very hard at going union, the most abused people in this country IMO.
There can't be a choice. What kind of a company is going to let one guy make $40 per hour and a new guy come in who want's to be management someday and work for $18 per hour. How is that ever going to work?
You have ruined the union by allowing "choice"
If the union needs people to be forced into being members, then perhaps it doesn't belong. If the union were doing so much to help the workers, why would the workers not choose to join the union?
I think office workers should look very hard at going union, the most abused people in this country IMO.
LOL? That's amusing. I have been an "office worker" and never felt "abused" by any stretch of the imagination.
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