[cblackthornekc]

> At my current company programmers aren't even allowed to move our own computer between desks because only union people are allowed to do that

This is also likely an insurance limitation as well. Where I work most employees are insured for basic injuries on site. Only those required to move equipment have the add on that they might move equipment weighing 50 lbs or more.

So if I move a desk that weighs 51 pounds and throw out my back, getting work to pay for it might be difficult because I should have gotten facilities to do it as they have the heavy weight add on.

[bluGill]

The network cable I want to plug into a open jack doesn't weight 50lbs though. I've worked in places where I need a union electrician to do that task though. Fortunately the union was cool in that location and just ignored my crawling under my desk, I'm told in other offices they were a lot more strict.

[cblackthornekc]

I work in a secure facility, when not WFH due to the pandemic. Each jack is numbered, and my computer is tied to that number. If I plug into another jack, I won't connect. I have to get IT to move it for me because it requires them to make some changes to switches. We're not union, but have the same rules.

It feels like you're trying to blame the union for pretty standard practices at established companies.

[labawi]

Does an electrician configure switches at your facility?

I think this was a case where no reconfiguration was involved.

[lukewrites]

I work in a non-union office and we also have the same policy. I don’t think this reflects it all upon unions.