In celebration of Labor Day [The History of Labor Day], I thought a discussion on labor unions was in order.

Labor Unions have a long and interesting history. They still play a huge role in American labor and they are here to stay.

Union reputation varies and opinions are very strong for both the pro-union and anti-union camps. I’ll paste one of each below and then would love to hear your opinion.

Slavenomore from the Truckingboards Truck Driver Forums says,

“If GM did not have union workers and they ended up broke as they were..Do you think that the Gov’t would have helped them stay open and help them workers to keep their jobs?

Other things I’d say without links to back it up…
I would think the unions are the reason for weekends (and most probably a lot of other holidays also)
And vacation time paid.
And paid sick time
And paid personal days
Company supplied retirement plans
Company supplied health care/insurance

I’ve worked at nonunion places which have had some of the above..And some probably have none of the above.
Maybe they always gave that stuff to the educated or management but I doubt that a lot of companies gave them to laborers before the unions were strong. I personally think a lot of bennies and pay rates are given to nonunion just to keep their people happy enough to not want us [Unions]…in other words, to keep us [Unions] out.

and…

Sheryl from The Internet Marketers Guild and about a million other websites says,

“I’m trying to think of something nice to say about any Union workers I have had to deal with…..*24 hours pass*. I am still trying to come up with something nice…..

Oh, I know. Union workers ALWAYS know when it’s break time. They also know exactly what is in their job description *Calling 911 if you cut your arm off is not likely in their job description and they will need to call their rep to see if a vote can be conducted at the next meeting to allow for 911 calls*.
Sorry that is the best I can do off the top of my head.

Do you know which shovel belongs to a Government employee?
The one with the flattened tip from hours of a fat a$$ leaning on it!“

Your thoughts? Pro Union or Anti-Union? What do you see for the future of labor unions? Are unions keeping big business at bay? The Government? Your opinion matters here so Just Say It!