Unions

Have been well behaved since the 1990 recession. Prior to that there was a certain amount of aggressiveness and militance. Now, nothing. Anyone notice that? It's, what, 18 years now.

Things have changed within some union/management business for the better of all concerned. Some have been sufficiently intelligent to realize that disruption and conflict are not profitable to either the organization or the workers. Amateurs on the negotiation panels representing both sides have often been replaced by professional negotiators who have all the information at hand, and know what is reasonable and achievable and what is open to compromise. The result is that the process becomes less "heated" and more productive in getting a solution.

Management policies have also changed in some organizations in that once a contract is agreed upon, the bosses are required to know the terms, refer to it, and follow any stated procedures for discipline, demotion, firing etc. The result is often fewer grievences by the union which saves time, money, and aggravation as well.

Good unions huh?
How's that Toronto transit strike going for you folks...

You're thinking of Ottawa. Toronto was so last year.... lol...

The UAW is another great example of unions behaving. Refuse to make concessions even though their demands aren't reasonable or achievable. Why not, their lobbyists can just make *everyone else* pay for their demands.

I think unions will be less popular as quality of pay and life in the workplace improves due to labour laws. They will die out when people see no need to join one because they see no need for one.
That being said, I think it would be a bad idea to make them illegal because once that happens it sets the stage for a backslide in labour relations.
I think one of the few balances for capitolism in democracy is the fact that we can have unions. If things start getting bad enough for workers unions would resurge.

Unions are for stupid/lazy people!

I may have stated this in an earlier post, maybe even eons ago ici. . . .

I once met with a former Teamsters (Chicago) leader/recruiter - he was in Toronto to unionize the Ontario security industry - not securities.

Casually dressed and in neat attire, I couldn't help but notice the considerable amount of bling hanging around and off his neck and wrists, including a fairly expensive Rolex and a brand new Cadillac sedan parked outside.

He was attempting to recruit my good and fine self as his recruiter - we had coffee in a very public coffee shop on University Avenue and yakked - moi, not being a fan of unions was shocked! shocked I say! at his 'tude.

He knew to the number exactly how many people he required to keep him in his lifestyle - remember, this guy was former Teamsters and this was to be 'his' union.

Naturally, it all came down to bucks which means headcount - he so knew. As we continued to discuss a feeling of unwellness began to sweep through my petite frame - this guy had no concern whatsoever for his 'new' and as yet unsigned union members - he truly was only concerned with his own very deep pockets.

So, while I most certainly am not a fan of unions, with the Ottawa Transit Strike being the most recent example of unmitigated pigheadedness of a redundant peoples still calling each other 'brother' and 'sister' - allo Taliban Jack!

There clearly comes a time when their relevance is no longer relevant;

the other side of the coin is equally disturbing - after all, if there were no unions, who would look after the rights and well-being of the employees.

The argument that companies would not shaft their employees does not hold water. . . .

Ive dealt with the heads of some pretty big unions out west here the last 30 years and their all lieing assholes. :lol:

Couple from down east too,the teachers comes to mind.

Well, they are beneficial then if it helps stupid people earn a living. That can't be helped. Lazyness however is not excusable :lol: