[rvnx]

I understand the feeling of Aborsy; in another European country (France) Unions are a non-elected political force that seizes power by force in a factory / company.

Once they have established their power, they do anything they can to impose their law on other workers and collect money from both the owners, and the other employees.

And to be considered part of the group, you have to pay an annual membership to them in order to get “protected”.

[eddtries]

I pay a couple dollars a year in Sweden and my union offers unemployment insurance, 80% of my salary for six months if I’m laid off. I’m okay with that annual membership if that was all I got :)

[aborsy]

You gain in those items and may lose in others. It probably depends on how the unions are set up.

For example, my work environment in France was so toxic that over time I developed psychological problems, because the institution could not address the abuse, harassment, bullying, etc, since everyone had secure permanent contracts protected by unions.

[hef19898]

On top of government unemployment benefits? That is incredibly generous!

[Gud]

Although this is often administered by a union, you don't have to be a union member to be a part of an A-kassa. Essentially, it's an unemployment insurance.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unemployment_funds_in_Sweden

[rvnx]

As far as I know and as the person above explains, you don't need to join an union; example with this one:

https://alfakassan.se/en/when-you-receive-benefits/

You can go through an union, because they managed to take over parts of the government system that distributes the subsidies, but you are just adding one intermediary to whom you pay a fee and encouraging that (which can be a good thing too, in case they are actively supportive and more efficient; someone local may know better).

Though, what I originally wanted to express, is that in some companies, if you are not member of a specific union, then you do not get access to promotions, to the most interesting jobs, or even getting the risk to getting fired because you suddenly do mistakes and be replaced with someone more union-friendly, etc.

This is the type of protection I meant. Protecting you from their own harm.

[eddtries]

Actually I don’t know if they’re on top of or a total replacement, but even as a replacement I’m happy! I work as a consultant so it’s always a little risky finding clients, but my annual take home from the previous year covers the downtime

And honestly I’d argue this fairly liberal approach encourages entrepreneurship because you have so many safety nets

[VoxPelli]

It’s on top of, as the maximum you can get from public unemployment funds are capped fairly low nowadays and rarely reaches the intended 80%, hence why the unions steps in and offers extra insurance

Unions typically offer collectively bargained felt insurance and such here as well

[eddtries]

Thanks for the context :)

[dagw]

No, it make sure your total unemployment benefits is 80% of what your salary used to be.

[aborsy]

Indeed, I was speaking of the notorious French unions! I have written several long comments in HN on their ills.