Misorganized Labor
Decades ago I was a member of a union. Actually it was the Writers? Guild, which was a far cry from what most people think of as unions, especially since they lacked clout. I appreciated the purpose of the Guild and of unions in general but even back then I was of the mind that unions should be phased out.
The obvious reason is that any enterprise with a union is internally divided, by definition. There are two sides in opposition rather than united for the greater good. Plus unions cost their members, both in money and the productivity inherent in a collaborative effort.
These issues come to mind with two recent California news items. One was story in the Los Angeles Times about the town of Boron where they mine borox. The company, Rio Tinto, is a global operation that saw its earnings plummet last year. They are asking for concessions from the union, including the right to promote on the basis of competence instead of just seniority. The union resisted and were ultimately locked out, threatening the viability of the whole town.
At the NUMMI plant in Fremont, the workers are voicing anger with their union leaders for failing to negotiate their payoffs when the joint GM-Toyota plant is closed this summer. Toyota has told union members that their position will be weakened the longer they wait, but the union leaders think delaying the process is a smart tactic. They are wrong.
There is an alternative to unions, though it requires a wiser citizenry than exists in most parts of the country. The community needs to make it clear that no one will work for or buy from companies that don?t provide a safe and fair work environment. There are too many people living on the edge, especially today, for such attitudes to take hold, but at some point in the future we will reach that level of consciousness. The sooner the better.
?2010 SetonnoteS
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