Where We Live: The State of American Unions
Before obama's state of the union address, a look at the state of labor unions
New statistics show that union membership in America has slipped again…reaching its lowest rate in more than 70 years.
While unions in the for-profit world have seen their influence decline, and many state workers face budget cutbacks, some union watchers question the whether labor is in a downward spiral. But after a strong showing from state workers in Dannel Malloy’s election, and last year’s historic UAW organizing efforts at Foxwoods, unions in Connecticuts are alive and well and still play a big role in state Government.
Today we talk with Steven Greenhouse the New York Times labor reporter who covers unions to figure out the state of unions on the eve of Obama’s State of the Union address. And we’ll look big picture, covering 200 years of labor history with the author of a new book "THERE IS POWER IN A UNION :The Epic Story of Labor in America." And we’ll hear from union members from Connecticut and Ohio -one of the main battlegrounds for labor rights, as the new governor aims to take on unions.
Send to friend
Printer-friendly version
Comments
I did not get to hear your
I did not get to hear your entire program on Tuesday, so if I am repeating some points I apologize in advance. I am a "semi-retired" part time worker at Stop & Shop, "represented" by a union. The union purports to represent all workers, 80% of whom are part time, yet the 80% see annual wage increases of $.25/hour, starting at minimum wage. The "elite" of those represented by the union make the "living wage" of $30-40/hour. This is a mirror image of the wage earning society in general.
I worked for more than 35 years for the same small business (car dealership) and never made the living wage standard of $30-40/hour. And in 1972, $3.25 to start sounded OK to me. Today, I would love it if a small business offered me $12/hour to sweep the floor, or manage (part time) their inventory. The unions really need to look at whom they think they represent, the lucky few or the population at large, and make some adjustments if they want to increase their membership.
I have busted my butt at Stop & Shop for nearly two years, but make $.25/hr over the minimum wage, and essentially have no company benefits. I'm not bitching, but the unions need to get real and represent the people who are paying their dues.
Thank you in advance for your time and interest.
Labor Unions & Employment Rights
At present, employers can use the broad 'At-Will Doctrine' to quickly eliminate any employee challenging them, unless they're in a union or have a contract. Then the price of asserting your legal rights is expensive legal litigation, and some employers have insurance to cover this. Due to lack of oversight & lax regulations, another price to pay is bad reference affecting future employment opportunities. In this environment with this structure, I'd rather pay union dues to have a advocate looking after my best interests rather than "hope for the best".
Labor Unions & Employment Rights
At present, employers can use the broad 'At-Will Doctrine' to quickly eliminate any employee challenging them, unless they're in a union or have a contract. Then the price of asserting your legal rights is expensive legal litigation, and some employers have insurance to cover this. Due to lack of oversight & lax regulations, another price to pay is bad reference affecting future employment opportunities. In this environment with this structure, I'd rather pay union dues to have a advocate looking after my best interests rather than "hope for the best".
Post new comment