Human Resources Professionals are very familiar with the negative stereotypes directed towards unions and their members. Some common utterances heard frequently, are that; Union members are lazy; Unions are no longer needed, as we have better employment laws now; Unions are only in it for themselves; Unions are inflexible and only add expenses to the employer’s costs, etc.
Like any sweeping stereotypical statements, there may be some truth to the above, but it is not always the absolute truth.
Unionization helps at the individual level, the organizational level, and the national level. The following article highlights the many benefits of unions.
Click here to read the article.
Research shows that:
- Countries that have unions have better economic, social, and environmental policies.
- The collective bargaining process contributes to higher productivity at a national level
- There is less income inequality in countries that are unionized
The next time someone is spouting the negative aspects of unionization, add some positive statements into the discussion and remember what unions have accomplished for the worker, organizations, and the countries in which they operate. You don’t have to like unions, but you have to respect them for what they do and what they have done.
Discussion Questions
- Identify 5 ways unions can have a positive effect on organizations
- Identify 5 ways unions can have a positive effect on society
- Identify 5 ways unions can have a negative effect on organizations
- Identify 5 ways unions can have a positive effect on society