What's 'Democratic' about Compulsory Unionism?

Published

http://www.nilrr.org/files/Whats%20Democratic%20About%20Compuslory%20Unionism.pdf

Apologists for federal and state laws that authorize the firing of employees for refusal to join or pay dues to a labor union typically assume that union affiliation should be a collective, rather than a personal, decision.

Under American traditions of limited government, the decision to contribute to a charity, a political campaign, or a single-issue lobbying organization is made individually or together with your spouse or solicitor. Your neighbors, fellow employees, or business associates may offer advice, but do not get a chance to vote on which private groups you support or don't support.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.

So the option then is to have the same benefit package as those due paying union members? I just don't understand the option other than to not work at a facility if you are against mandated unionizing.

I've worked at both union and non, can't see the logistics of the same "pay grade" with one of each employee:confused:

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so the option then is to have the same benefit package as those due paying union members? i just don't understand the option other than to not work at a facility if you are against mandated unionizing.

i've worked at both union and non, can't see the logistics of the same "pay grade" with one of each employee:confused:

and i can't see the need for forced unionism

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Taking a middle road here. If you benefit from a collective bargaining agreement in your workplace you should pay a fair share of the dues associated with the negotiation of the contract. That doesn't equate to forced membership but you are paying for the benefits you have received.

(In MN it is roughly 85% of the cost of full membership.)

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I'm sorry, but nobody should have to pay to work at any facility regardless of the unions benefits.

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Viking very clearly spoke to "if you receive the benefits" then you should help pay for the benefits that you receive. He certainly did not endorse forced membership but instead spoke to the importance of helping to pay the way. He didn't argue for join or you're out the door.

I don't expect to receive my electricity for free or have my road plowed for free. Taxes or dues are the price we pay for helping to have a civilized society or workplace.

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I don't have to pay anything to work where I am now and have great pay, benefits, insurance. It's not a perfect system, but I don't have pay to work. The concept to me is ridiculous. I read a study, posted by HM2 that stated the average pay raise with a union is a whole $2.50/hr. I personally don't see that as much of anything to pay for at 80-100$ per paycheck. And contributing to the UANs leader's salary of almost $200K/yr doesn't sit well either.

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I have belonged to 4 different unions as a member (counting Student Nurses Association membership.) My dues have ranged from 24-40 dollars per month inflation adjusted. My wife is a teacher and her dues average 50 dollars per month. I find your dues claims to be suspicious.

As small d democratic organizations union members can challenge operations, dues and compensation at meetings and through the process. (Union presidents stand for election every 2-4 years. If they don't perform they will be replaced through the process. Try firing the CEO of Coca Cola or AIG for poor performance.)

Dues are a form of wage insurance. If you run into a capricious manager you may end up on the street with nothing to show for it. Due process protections save jobs and careers which I know from personal experience.

I read thread after thread here on AN about nurses who are abused by capricious management.

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