really stupid question IRT Unions.

[littlewolf]

mostly cuz I know squat about unions.
a guy at work was talking about unions and RTW states,
and he asked why would anyone belong to a union
in a right to work state?
he was not talking to me specifically and no one could
give him an reply, someone mentioned health insurance
and possibly retirement bennies.

any help appreciated.

[TexasProgresive]

1. Texas is a "right" to work state

I have belonged to the Communications Workers of America for 37+ years. Yes I could work for this company and not be a union member and some do. They are freeloaders who reap the same benefits as the dues paying member. If there were no union members many of the benefits and wages would disappear. Our contract gives us wages, vacation and sick leave, pensions, health care and protection from being fired at will. We can only be terminated for cause.

[Warpy]

2. Collective bargaining in a company with up to a third of its workers union

can proceed but it's not nearly as effective as closed shop negotiations. The threat of the major weapon a union has--a strike--is just not there when the company has enough workers to maintain a skeleton crew during a strike.

That's why right-to-starve laws were passed, so the union would be in a weaker position during collective bargaining for better wages and working conditions.

As to why someone in one of these states would join a union and have dues deducted from an already meager paycheck, the more union people in a company, the stronger the position of the union in arguing for fairer wages and less dangerous working conditions.

Workers by themselves have no power against an employer. It's only when they organize and act together that they can act as a balance to employer power. And that's called a union.

[CBGLuthier]

3. A person can also stand on a corner and beg but if you have dignity and integrity

you don't.

Anyone who would take the benefits of a union job without joining is a scumbag who only cares about himself.

[Brickbat]

4. Why would you not?

Unless you like being a freeloading scab, I mean.

[Lost_Count]

5. Way to respond to his question in an adult manner...

Bravo...

[hfojvt]

6. Why would they? Because they know which side they are on.

And they understand a very basic principle - too many free riders will bankrupt the system.

[littlewolf]

7. thank you Texas Progressive and Warpy.

were I work is not a union shop .. nor are they talking about unions,
it was just a discussion. I appreciate your input.

[JaneyVee]

8. Right to work = right to work for less.