Thank you. I don't believe the union concept is obsolete. Organized labor needs some serious repair. Union labor generally is more expensive. Hopefully you get what you pay for. Unions tend to support apprenticeships that increase a workers skill level. Remember you can always find someone who will do a job for less. Often the cheapest bid is not the most cost effective.

I don't know how you make a living or what your experience has been. No organization is perfect. Remember John Galt organized the producers to strike. That was the original concept of organized labor. I agree government unions are out of control.

The problems these days that hinder an employers decision to fire an employee that is not doing their job, unfortunately, are extensive. Discrimination is the clarion call for many disgruntled employees, and just skews legitimate grievances. Any perceived "ism" can be thrown into the mix, and suddenly a huge lawsuit faces the employer who just wanted to be rid of unproductive dead weight.

And THAT is reason enough to become a non paying member (supporting politicians that you don't approve of....and THAT is their biggest motive by the way, not keeping you in a job.) The non paying members have chosen not to pay because they have a choice (which isn't like a lot of teacher's unions...most are forced to pay or lose their job)...and you have chosen TO pay. If you don't like them "riding on your coat tails"...then stop paying.

The unions job is to keep their dues paying member employed. I have been a IAM member for the last 5 years. Non-union workers benefit by riding on the coat tails of union workers. One thing that really annoys me is my money is donated to political candidates I don't support.

terrycan, though I disagree with you, I modded you up because I think you've brought up something that is worth discussing.

They have a license to be thugs and totally get away with it...because the government is in their back pocket. Corruption galore!

Why is that the union's job? That should be the business owners' job to fire bad employees..and the employee's job to find other work. How is the union needed, or wanted, or even have a say in any of that process? They should just get out of the way and stop stealing dues money. (They're like a mini government...only not so "mini" anymore.)

That is why they are willing to do anything to keep competition out of the education process, because their goals only work if education is a government backed monopoly. I agree with you totally.

Yes they are. I don't see how they (unions) can ever think to function in a capitalist society--and they don't plan to. Instead they are always on the lookout for revolution. And their signs with fists on them dictate their intentions toward violance over invention.

The labor unions did and still could perform a good role for workers and the economy. The biggest problem I see is the union protects incompetence. The unions need to look at some people and tell them you are in the wrong job. The union could work to get this person into a position where they would by productive.

A "taint" of Socialism, OMW? No, it was more than a "taint."

The labor movement in the US was started by Communists under the direction of the Soviet KGB.

You can see it all over in the writings of the early movement's leaders.

my parents were both teachers (in the days of suit jacket and ties, dresses and hose). also, they were teachers in Iowa, home of a big test and high scoring kids. here is my issue with big labor. their responsibility is to their ongoing concern. not to the school system, not to a homeowner paying property taxes. most importantly, not to the student. and one can seriously question whether they are truly for the teacher. when you privatize, all sorts of things hone into focus quickly. You have a customer and if performance is poor, the system will not be paid. the Union is the good teacher's worst enemy in my book.

I used to be in the CWA union, I now work at a school where some of the teachers are in a union and from what I've experienced and from what I've just read in Shadowbosses the unions are out to make the union money so they can fund their candidates elections, indoctrinate children, and bully business owners (and tax payers) to the point of extinction. They're out of control.

A very well written article. I am a member of a labor union. The reason is they pay me more than any one else. I believe there is room for big labor and capitlists to work towards the common goal of getting the work out at a competitive price.