WOW are some of you guys really sour over union jobs. I am sorry you guys had such a bad or raw deal. I'm treated very well in the local 142 and don't seeing them screwing me or I them. Again guys sorry!

I am a very happy member of a union. I work my butt off and am compensated for it. I agree with parts of every post on this subject to date. FWIW, Gallantry belongs to the same union as me and thinks that it is chaos, armegeddon, and hell all rolled into one. Everyone needs to remember one very important fact, a union is only as good as it's members. I've dealt with union lumpers when I hauled freight and wanted to shoot every one of them. On the other hand, one of the best lumpers I ever hired was a wino in philly who drank while he unloaded my trailer. Some unions have lost sight of the original intent which was to protect workers from being exploited, ie: putting employees in hazardous situations without proper protection, forcing employees to work longer hours without compensation, discriminatory hiring practices, forcing employees to cut corners regarding safety, etc...I don't like unions that demand rather than negotiate and I don't like union members who sit back enjoying the benefits but never want to get involved. It's all what you make of it.

It's good to see someone who gets it. The unions have lost their way, and are involving themselves too deeply into things that shouldn't be their concern, namely benefit and compensation issues Their best function is to protect against unfair discipline and unjust firings.

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Z-Lady's devoted hubby.

Knowledge in the hands of the individual is true power.

That is what is so great about these forums. A great source of information.

Thanks TurboTrucker, and to all that contribute.

Having been around unions (but not in the transportation industry) for years and looking at the history of industry in the U.S., I see a need for such orgs. My experiences as non-union working with unions has been poor!! I see the need for (look at Andrew Carnegie's history) but they need to find a way to put some 'reins' on so as not to abuse. It seems what is 'fair' to one is not 'fair' to another. Unions are actually hurting the auto industry because of global competition. Paying $25-30/hr for 'unskilled' labor is killing that industry. Carnegie as well as Ford went to automation to take the 'skill' and therefore the high-wages out of their industries. In our industry, driver abuse can be rampant and the only recourse is to quit & move on to another lousey (or is 'crappy' acceptable?) company. Note to ADMIN: 'lousey' just doesn't have the bad smell that needs to go with the adjective! Unions do seem to keep the turnover rate down, and therefore efficiency (if not abused!) should go up..... Also, long-term benefits actually occur (pensions, etc.), whereas most hop-around freight drivers end up with NONE!!!

Unions are not all bad, but I can tell you with having been an officer within a small union that got big they are sometimes very bad. Most of the time they are great for organizing a good benefit package and making sure that we all make a living wage but sometimes they get just crazy.

When the union reaches a larger size it turns into its own corrupted cancer and the leaders of the union start using their power to rip off the members and build a little kingdom. The next thing you know Rico. The union has turned into a gang and they don't want to answer to anyone.

If you need a union to make sure you do not starve or go without health insurance or safety on the job then that is great. If you need a union so you can keep your job when you are lazy then you need to stay away from me.

I saw a lot of good come from unions, but I have seen nearly as much bad. If you belong to a union you better make sure you like where that hard earned cash of yours is going when you pay your dues. You may not believe who is getting paid what. Good luck with your unions. From what I have seen on this board some companies need to unionize and some could go forever without any union. Before you can tell me a Union is good you have to tell me the guy running it is not making more than your boss for working less hours with more staff.

I don't hate unions I just know how dangerous a few have become with no real benefit to society.

very well said

A big AMEN to all the above. What started out as a 'tool' becomes the all encompassing cancerous organism. I have seen the same thing happend to small churches with sincere people that become successful, grow, and then those with the 'religous spirit' take over and ruin it!! A little diversion, but same principle....power hungry people infiltrate and rise to the top!!

If union wages & benefits are cut , what will happen to nonunion workers

A union worker can not make a management decision so why did the big three auto makers lose money. I say poor management!

IMHO, the only reason we have it so good in the United States is due to the Union movement. Read a little history in particular Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle." Another good source of information would be to look at the works of Jacob Riis who documented labor conditions most notably using phototography and whose works credited with inspiring child labor laws.

I am greatful for the work of unions and hope they one day regain their former power.