As a 30 year retired union worker I have to disagree with some of a64armt's rant against unions. I will however agree that SOME unions are detrimental to their members. Having been in the Carpenters union for 30 years I saw 1st hand how good unions work. You need to separate unions by trade not lump all unions into one category. My job can't be sent overseas as my work was here in the U.S. Union shops in my area also had as part of the union, drug programs. Random drug checks. Pee in the cup and if you don't pass, you don't work. Simple as that. It was a cosponsored program so the local union isn't going to fight for the workers rights. Cause he pissed them away. Believe it or not none of my co workers were lazy either. If you didn't pull you're weight then when things get slow, you got sent home.
Not all unions and members are the same. Yes there are lazy union workers, but there's just as many in any work force. Drugs are everywhere. Fact of the matter is when you have random drug tests then it becomes harder to use drugs, plain and simple.
All of the union shops in my area are signatory with the union. If they didn't like the agreement then they don't have be signatory. Funny thing is after 30 years they are all still union shops. Check the wages and benefits of non union trade workers. They are paid less for the same work and have little to know benefits.
It always seems like when the economy goes belly up that all unions are to blame for something. Never hear any complaints when times are good.
