Originally Posted By Dabob2 "The unions in many cases have become hierarchal structures just as corrupt as the companies they fight against" I would say "in some cases." No argument there. Yet, without them, the playing field would be tilted even more in favor of employers. They are still a necessity. What's really needed, of course, is for unions to take hold globally so that countries that currently pay ridiculously low wages couldn't do that any more. It will be a tough road, but not impossible - look at Solidarity, or just about any country where unions first struggle to gain a foothold (including our own). They have gained some in India, resulting of course in some companies leaving there and going to even lower-wage countries. The employers are in a global race to the bottom, and unions cropping up where people are exploited is about the only way to fight that. Of course, we're talking long-term here.
Originally Posted By Donny "The unions in many cases have become hierarchal structures just as corrupt as the companies they fight against" I would say "in some cases." No argument there. Yet, without them, the playing field would be tilted even more in favor of employers. They are still a necessity. I agree with what your saying in and if employees could decide on their own to join or not I think you would see alot less corruption.
Originally Posted By Dabob2 The point of a union is UNION. If a majority of members votes for it, the union then bargains collectively for everyone. If you don't want that, you vote against your workplace unionizing. To opt out after a majority has said "yes" a). defeats the purpose; b). is like saying, after your state or city, say, votes for a property tax hike to close the school funding gap, that "I didn't vote that way, so I shouldn't have to pay."
Originally Posted By skinnerbox <<I think you should be able to opt out but of course I am pro-choice.>> You're obviously not pro-democracy. Dabob's example explains it beautifully: <<... is like saying, after your state or city, say, votes for a property tax hike to close the school funding gap, that "I didn't vote that way, so I shouldn't have to pay.">> Precisely. If the majority votes in favor of doing something that they want but you don't, tough cookies. That's the way democracy works. Funny how the conservatives like Donny are all for democracy in our government and around the globe, but somehow feel democracy in the workplace is wrong wrong wrong.
