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> I always saw unions as a bureaucratic/political layer that sits on top of workers, collecting money without contributing. I can see how, especially in the USA, this might be what you hear. Are you open to some simple facts on the ground illustrating how this isn't really accurate? In terms of contributions, the results are real and measurable: https://www.epi.org/publication/briefingpapers_bp143/ on average 20% increase in wages and 28% increase in total compensation. Typically wages increase across the board, however lower-wage workers see higher percentage increases. That doesn't equate to higher-wage workers getting lower wages in unionized industries, though. There's a concept called "the union wage premium" that holds time and time again, wherein union jobs, no matter the skill level, on average pay 10% more. Union workers also usually have better pension plans and more vacation time. > I also don't think that people should all get the same pay or collectively bargain. Some people work harder, invest more in their skills, bring a better attitude, etc. They should get paid more. Unions aren't communist dictatorships, depending on the union and industry there'll still be pay tiers based on seniority and skill. And, on average, you will simply see higher pay, no matter your skill level. If you truly believe that you're the 1% of stellar worker and are compensated as such, and might make less under the union, first I'd point out that that doesn't really happen, and second I'd point out, there's always a better worker. Seems to me better to err on collective bargaining and seeing your coworkers as allies rather than your bosses, considering incentives. Not to mention wages aren't the only thing on the table: benefits like time off, health care, whether the company can lay a bunch of people off, etc, are all protections you simply can't bargain for on your own no matter what kind of 100x engineer you are. See: all the stellar engineers that Google laid off (after they axed the contractors, they came top down from their priciest engineers it seems!). I would challenge you: from whom are you typically hearing anti-union propaganda? In my experience it's from people and entire industries that are clearly and objectively financially motivated to be opposed to unions. |