How Not to Join a Union

A step-by-step guide to the union process—how to form a union and how workers' efforts usually get thwarted. More here: http://www.americanprogressaction.org/projects/americanworkers

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• unions
• union
• employee
• free
• choice
• act
• efca
• workers

[studentofsmith]

@nktank84 Again I challenge you to predict the effects of a $100/hour minimum wage. If you respond with something like "That's ridiculous." I will ask you to explain why.

[nktank84]

@studentofsmith You seem to say that our safety programs are all here because of equipment that we have. That's bullshit, If our forefathers hadn't of shed blood and fought for safer work places we wouldn't have them today.The safety evolution has cost companies a ton of money. But now were are at the point where our regulations and insurance costs are so critical that it is cost effective to provide a safe work place. What's wrong with that?

[nktank84]

@studentofsmith You seem to forget that the U.S. was just like China at one point in history with no safety regulations whatsoever. But people got tired og being treated like a disposible resource, so they fought and, over time, things changed for the better. The fact that there are still thriving businesses here, proves you wrong. You assume that we were always where we are now and that there is no way for people like the chinese to move forward. THAT'S BULLSHIT.

[studentofsmith]

@nktank84 If the Chinese government passed and effectively enforced mining regulations similar to those in the U.S. there would be no improvement in the working conditions of the mines, they would close. They simply don't have the capital equipment necessary to increase worker productivity to the point that they can afford to furnish their employees with such high safety standards.

Consider what would happen if Congress increased the minimum wage to $100/hour. Would that work?

[nktank84]

@studentofsmith The last year I took MSHA training (2007) they told us that in China 5,000 miners died the year before, compared to 25 in America. How can you even think of saying that China's way is better? How can you claim that they give a damn about their workers in any way? By the way Chinese miners are so poor many can only afford to eat meat a couple times a year. I got that from National Geographic.

[nktank84]

@studentofsmith No, things are better here because our forefathers fought for everything you take for granted. They shed blood for the working conditions and wages you enjoy. READ YOUR HISTORY MAN, NO COMPANY EVER GAVE ANY KIND OF IMPROVEMENTS, MEN FOUGHT FOR EVERY INCH. I know because my used to have to fight like hell for a damn $.25 raise from a company that was making record profits.

[studentofsmith]

@nktank84 Many companies in China have improved working conditions in an effort to attract and retain employees. They have done this because those improvements were worth more to the employees than an equivalent amount of money devoted to an increase in wages or benefits.

Wages, benefits and working conditions are better here because we have more capital equipment. Regulations purport to "give" workers something that's actually coming out of their paycheck. watch?v=WBRNXo0yLVk

[nktank84]

@studentofsmith Hey guess what? I'm not workin over 40 hrs a week for straight time so some company can make another billion! If you wanna work in a sweatshop with no regulations whatsoever go to CHINA and work. IF YOU WANT TO SEE HOW COMPANIES TREAT EMPLOYEES WITHOUT REGULATIONS JUST LOOK AT COUNTRIES LIKE CHINA THAT HAVE NO REGULATIONS. Over 5 THOUSAND men die in chinese mines every year because of NO REGULATIONS.

[studentofsmith]

@nktank84 Overtime effectively limits the number of hours you can work for a single employer, forcing many to take a second part-time job (at a lower rate of pay) rather than work additional hours for the same employer.

Safety regulations mandate minimum working conditions, the cost of which must be recouped in reduced wages or benefits. It limits the flexibility of employers to craft a compensation package which provides maximum appeal to employees at minimal cost to themselves.

[1963danno]

@studentofsmith BOO HOO