Union Love and Hate in American Workplaces: A Personal Perspective

Throughout my time as a union member, I have often pondered the mixed feelings that others have towards their unions. In this article, I aim to provide a comprehensive look at the varied emotions surrounding unions in American workplaces, drawing from my personal experiences and observations.

Original Union Affection: A Growth Story

From 1970 until 1992, we, as a group of union members, enjoyed significant camaraderie and support. During this period, we paid voluntary dues to ensure recognition and development of our union. These twenty-two years of progress led to the union achieving a strong foothold within our community.

During the next nearly thirty years, there were two key facts that might help explain our feelings towards the union:

We never fell below 85 voluntary dues-paying members.We grew by about 50 through voluntary additions of newly unionized titles.

Union's Challenges and the 2017 'Raid'

Five years ago, a small unit of our union was "raided" by another union specializing in representing police. A formal government overseen collective bargaining election was held with secret ballots. My union won the vote by an exact 50-1 margin. This outcome highlights the deep factionalism within unions and the challenges they face in maintaining unity and coherence.

It's not uncommon for workers to have mixed feelings about their unions. Some of them, especially women and minorities, may feel ungrateful for the benefits they received from union protection and support. For instance, many would not have achieved higher positions in government without the assistance of unions and civil rights initiatives.

Individual Differences and Union Dissatisfaction

Some workers in our union do not join, which suggests that not everyone loves the union. I even know of individuals who actively dislike our union due to various reasons. Some feel that the union is too militant, while others believe it is not militant enough. Some workers are disappointed because they perceive the union as not respecting their bosses enough, while others are frustrated by what they see as excessive accommodation of their superiors.

The reality is, we cannot please everyone all the time. There will always be a spectrum of opinions and feelings among union members.

Union Support Despite Media Propaganda

Despite continuous propaganda against unions, American workers continue to voluntarily support them. Their willingness to contribute financially demonstrates a significant level of affection and loyalty. One such instance is the upcoming union holiday party, where hundreds of union members will pay to gather from all across the city. This annual event is a testament to the fraternal love and support we share, even if it is only expressed once a year.

The love between union members runs deeper than mere financial contribution. It is a bond forged through shared struggles, protective measures, and common goals. This strong emotional connection is what makes our union strong, more resilient, and capable of addressing the complex challenges faced by workers.