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Union Organizing

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I need some help understanding unions since I have very little experience with them.

1. Please provide me the pros and cons of unionization from the perspective of the employer, and then from the employee. What recommendations should be made to employers who want to remain union-free?

2. What is the best way that they might be able to achieve the goal?

3. What is the current process for an organization to become unionized?

4. What discussion has there been in Congress to change the current union organizing process?

I need as much information as possilbe in order to complete a four page summary with references.

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Solution Summary

By addressing the questions, this solution discusses the related aspects of union organizing.

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RESPONSE:

1. Please provide me the pros and cons of unionization from the perspective of the employer, and then from the employee.

From an employer's view, the cons have to do with having less control over the organization as the union has say in what is going on in terms of fair wages and other related employee protections, like making the employer to meet safety provision, perhaps pay a wage higher that the employers feed is fair or can afford or even if it seems unreasonable, as well as conflict that sometimes occurs because of the union between employees and employer. They have to accept: "Equal access" for union organizers to company property, on company time." (http://www.kychamber.com/docs/seminarsevents/RemainUnionFree.pdf)

Another disadvantage is through collective voice, unions often "pit employees against employers in a way that is counterproductive to working successfully together and finishing a job to the highest standards of quality. Some even suggest it creates an "us and them" mentality which breeds distrust of management by employees and vice versa." (http://www.edubook.com/pros-and-cons-of-labor-unions/9111/). One positive aspect of the union is that if the employer voluntarily accepts the check cards and honors the employees wishes to unionize, it can improve employer-employee relationships.

For the employees, the cons for unions include: the monthly union dues; sometimes strikes that seem unnecessary and prolonged strikes sometimes hurt the employees more than benefit them. Those opposed to striking, for example, argue that long strikes can often cost employees more than what they receive in a new contract. It can also affect the relationship between employee and customer, as it can act to alienate customers that may see the employees' actions as greedy or self serving. In fact, many argue that presently unions push wages to unreasonable, above-market levels that are unrealistic for corporations to grant. This hostile environment can often lead to a stalemate in which both parties find themselves unhappy with the resolution. Therefore this last point can be consider a cons for both employees and employers (http://www.edubook.com/pros-and-cons-of-labor-unions/9111/)

However, from the employee's perspective, there are many points which are arguable pros for the use of labor unions:

? Provides benefits to members: Provide a range of benefits to insure members against unemployment, ill health, old age and funeral expenses. In many developed countries, these functions have been assumed by the state; however, the provision of professional training, legal advice, and representation for members is still an important benefit of trade union membership.
? Have collective bargaining power: they negotiate with employers over wages and working conditions.
? Strikes: Trade Union have the power to organize strikes or resistance to lockouts to meet goals. This is one of the biggest powers a labor union has. is to strike. Throughout history, strikes have been used to protect employees against dangerous working conditions, and unfair employers who are unwilling to give the workers what they deserve. And, strikes 0are still necessary today. Usually this is to obtain fair wages. They have helped employees across the United States receive better benefits and higher respect for the work they do.
? Promote polital action to help employees i.e. legislation favourable to the interests of their members or workers as a whole through ...

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