The Problem with Unions

Income Inequality: The Hard Truths
Income inequality has become a defining moral challenge of our time, a division between rich and less well off that threatens the fabric of our society. How did we become the most unequal developed nation in modern times? What should we be doing to help those who have been on the losing side of this tectonic shift? Steven Rattner, who has been studying and writing about this issue for nearly 20 years, will offer a stunning presentation of the magnitude of the income inequality problem, including fascinating international comparisons and a thoughtful look at causes and solutions.
Featuring:
Steven Rattner
Stephen J. Adler
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[@josephsherman5288]

Trying to compete with countries that are smothered in human right violations. That's a problem, and not something to be tried.

[@Heavygusto]

Federal prison wages in the US are as low as 12 cents an hour. To which countries do you refer?

[@josephsherman5288]

@@Heavygusto China

[@ogzombieblunt4626]

@@josephsherman5288 Labor competition is the best option. Unions just price out lower wage workers .

[@Cunningstunts23]

Okay you have three options, 1) cut operations in that country, 2) stick with status quo/unionize and watch your jobs outsource to the country that is willing to pay peanuts to workers and provide little protections, or 3) topple the regime in said country and attempt to instate a democratic republic that guarantees workers decent wages and safe work environments

[@mackmcstiffylovin7778]

@@Cunningstunts23 Or just stop being greedy

[@victorm3054]

So the argument goes: in order to compete with third world countries we must bring the quality of life down to their level.

[@ben5154]

He's unironically arguing for the race to the bottom.

[@resteele66]

Perfect analysis

[@timon20061995]

More like if u keep increasing bottom worker situation to the point that companies can’t afford it then the companies will just fire everyone and find somewhere cheaper. Where u think your 9.99 T shirt from? Absolutely not US.

[@exzir34]

@@timon20061995 That's what the Race to the Bottom is. When a business seeks cheaper means to get the same or better results in a market demanding they pay better wages, They move.

[@sidjtd]

Lmao or jobs simply cease to exist

[@someonefamous8671]

Fuck, I'm going to quit my high paying, excellent benefited Union job to take a pay cut, lose my pension, and get high deductible insurance!

[@marvin6016]

You forgot the chance of getting fired for anything

[@mariolis]

Dont be surprised when the company you work for just outsources your job to another country if you keep being hostile and demand more things from them , its natural to seek out a more friendly and profitable market

[@someonefamous8671]

@@mariolis I drove the city bus, doubt they are going to outsource that! And most construction trades require training and a person to be there physically so not too worried ; )

[@jeffrunge6427]

@@mariolis #BetaAF. #WhatACuck. #U👢👅.

[@mariolis]

@@someonefamous8671 Well , dont worry , all bus drivers will be replaced with self-driving AI soon enough

[@fanofeverything]

You know you'll get a balanced, fair view on unions on something called 'the Aspen Institute'

[@thienphucn1]

To quote Wikipedia: The Aspen Institute is largely funded by foundations such as the Carnegie Corporation, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the Gates Foundation, the Lumina Foundation, and the Ford Foundation.

[@taxicamel]

Now apply this video narrative to UNIONIZED PUBLIC SECTOR GOVERNMENT WORKERS. In Canada, 25% of the entire work force across Canada works in the PUBLIC SECTOR ....which is CIVIC, PROVINCIAL, and FEDERAL. This means that for every FOUR workers .....THREE of them is paying for the FOURTH. The question is, "WHAT ARE THESE WORKERS PRODUCING?" Well, the important ones are building and maintaining and working in INFRASTRUCTURES .....roads, water, sewers, power grid, gas lines, hospitals, education, etc. The rest of them are dealing with the paperwork ....the controls, documentation, approvals, financials, etc. Then you've got the heavy, overloaded GOVERNMENTS in each of the levels. This is where the huge problem lies in the bureaucratic system occupied by people desperate for POWER AND AUTHORITY OVER OTHERS. The absolute worst example of this in Canada, for the past 8 years is the prime minister JUSTIN TURDEAU, who has increased the federal employee count, spent/wasted money primarily in the eastern part of Canada, doling out $BILLION$ to corporations ....which the CANADIAN TAXPAYER is responsible to pay for this record debt. So, with respect to what "CONSUMERS" are prepared or able to pay for ANYTHING ......their paycheques are paying out over 20% to FEDERAL, and 10% PROVINCIAL ....THEN THERE'S THE CIVIC PROPERTY TAXES which is .5% to 1.3% depending on the municipality. IT ALL KEEPS ON ADDING UP AND KEEPS INCREASING YEAR AFTER YEAR ......AS EVERY GOVERNMENT LEVEL KEEPS ON GROWING YEAR AFTER YEAR .....AND EVERY EVERY GOVERNMENT LEVEL IS UNIONIZED. So when there is a recession and interest rates drop accordingly ....INCREASES THAT UNIONS DEMAND AND GET .....DO NOT GO DOWN ......THEIR INCREASES ARE PERMANENT AND JUST KEEP GOING UP UNTIL THEIR NEXT "COLLECTIVE BARGAINING" ...WHEN THEY WILL DEMAND MORE AGAIN. The bottom line is the COST OF LIVING .....not just in Canada .....just keeps going up and "workers" .....PRIVATE SECTOR UNION WORKERS .....will ALSO continue to demand more and will STRIKE .......USING CONSUMERS AS LEVERAGE. It is now January 2023. This article was done in 2015. The history and supporting facts since ARE ALREADY IN PLACE since 2015. Canada has the largest debt load in its history, thanks to JUSTIN TURDEAU .......who has completely failed the country with dozens of problems all across the country outside of the financial problems, with issues like cultural problems due to an immigration problem of numbers that cannot support this influx to a country that is one of the most expensive in the world ....to immigrants who simply cannot afford to live here. They cannot afford MILLION-DOLLAR housing which is what the benchmark is ....let alone afford feeding and clothing themselves ....which CANADIAN TAXPAYERS will be forced to support in new additional welfare costs that previously did not exist ....along with FEDERALLY FUNDED new housing costs ....again, that previously did not exist. UNIONS ACROSS CANADA, PRIVATE SECTOR AND PUBLIC SECTOR, DO NOT CARE ABOUT THE COSTS TO CONSUMER GOING UP. UNIONS ARE ONLY INTERESTED IN GETTING MORE MONEY THAT IS HIGHER THAN INFLATION. .

[@KuopassaTv]

Why do set such requirements to a random video? Maybe the man there just gives his thoughts

[@yumeew8761]

​@@taxicamelStop screaming, you retard

[@lymelvin]

So basically, treat our workers like shit because it's hard to compete with other countries who treat their workers like shit too.

[@shadowreapar]

The alternative being you pay them more, we lose the market share because we're not competitive, and those jobs close up entirely because the business can no longer afford to operate. Like the man said, this isnt easily solved.

[@Alan-pt6pl]

@@shadowreapar except it is, the true alternative is less money for profiteers. The ceo doesn’t need a $20M bonus

[@lordbucketheadiii3435]

@@Alan-pt6pl But how will the CEO be able to afford their 2nd yacht if we do that?!

[@Alan-pt6pl]

@@lordbucketheadiii3435 true my bad, they can have my OT free of charge. I just want to see the boss happy :)

[@poptraxx418]

@@Alan-pt6pl most of does money are in stocks and that won't even last long term I think we just have to have reality

[@bobdole870]

I work at John Deere in the UAW. Even making 44/hr + benefits, the company still is continuing to make record profits each quarter.

[@mariolis]

So what ? is them making profits hurting you in any way ?

[@Hatim.13]

@@mariolis No he said that corporations cab pay good wages and still make record profits! Everyone wins

[@LambertBowden56]

Just because your company works that way doesn't mean others work that way... Don't assume every company can support that.

[@masonvanluven6523]

He isn't. He is saying that his company can pay well and still make solid profits. @@LambertBowden56

[@Danji_Coppersmoke]

And farmers are paying for that.

[@killakaiju]

So basically in order for a company to compete on the world stage the labor should not be high priority. This guy is building a case for unionization ironically.

[@sidjtd]

How can you have a union for a company that doesn’t exist?

[@j2daakob]

@@sidjtd well you cant, unless you mean workers shouldt form unions because it kills companies which is not only completely false but also ignores that worker owned companies are pretty successful

[@killakaiju]

@@sidjtd It's called worker owned co-ops

[@Lobos222]

@@sidjtd Please explain how McD would outsource and still sell burgers in the US. Are you going to order McD from India and wait of it to be shipped over? Or how about grain production. Do you think that US getting Unionized workers would suddenly make mountains areas of the world flat and USA more mountains? Ever given a thought to the fact that wages alone is not the only trade benefit... You know trade ships goes both ways...

[@Kyle-pj2vc]

@@j2daakob Not all of them

[@michelleburkholder2547]

The Carpenters union revolutionized my life and the lives of my child. I also get a pension.

[@johndoe3788]

God bless you, mam. Unions need to make a comeback here in america.

[@ricechido1089]

Unions to u.s is what insulin is to a diabetic. Important

[@kentgardner8836]

Jesus was the only carpenter that wouldn't steal everything that wasn't welded down.

[@ogzombieblunt4626]

Lol nice job making the economy less productive

[@mattkelly9000]

Yah I was a teamster 688 for 20 years. After bad investment after bad investment. They got rid of us. Fired 405 workers at my job. I lost everything. Unions are great for people who want everything and do nothing. It’s protection for shitty workers.

[@david60559]

Why is CEO pay never cut to pay for a living wage to workers? Why does cost of a hamburger go up if economic inequality is the problem?

[@haveaday1812]

Because the CEO, usually the owner, took all the risks to start the business in the first place. You as the employee have no risk. The only thing you lose if the business goes under is a job. The owner (again, who often is the CEO) loses his livelihood. Now get back to work peasant.

[@greenearth9945]

@@haveaday1812 what an arrogant and uneducated answer.

[@haveaday1812]

@@greenearth9945 I am the CEO / Owner of a small Biz with plenty of employees. They get paid well and get benefits, but I make a lot more money than my employees. Because it’s my business and I took all the risk to create it. Plebeian.

[@greenearth9945]

@@haveaday1812 no one says you shouldnt make more money than your employees. I am the CEO of a small business too and manage to give them decent wages although that means a little less for me. I have met poeple who give their labours small wages and they justify it with the argument that their business wouldnt survive if wages were to increase. I tell them that if you cant sustain a business without offering slave wages then your business model suck! You shouldnt be doing business if you rely on slaves to break even. The tax payers pay for the infrastructure and safety that makes it possible to even have a business to begin with. The workers produce and without them you have nothing so treat them well because they deserve it

[@ToyotaGuy1971]

Because obviously they're narcissistic, greedy, self-centered hypocrites that only care about themselves.

[@Markd315]

so... There's no problem with unions, only problems unions alone won't solve? Ok, so fix the video title then.

[@ektran4205]

the problem with every organization in bureaucratic overgrowth

[@AlbornozVEVO]

bro really trying to argue that division of labor and specialization is bad for productivity 😭

[@CT-yc4gd]

Grand dad used to beat it into my head to be loyal. Promotion got dropped. Got laid off. I will work hard. But for myself. I'm not doing shit for ANYONE who doesn't pay what I want. Most don't so I just pick the job that covers my bills with the least stress.

[@tomspettigue8791]

Unions only have to do that because CEOs try to put more work on a single worker without raising their wages. This guy is a hedge fund manager, btw, he's not looking out for workers - he's looking out for the wealthy aristocracy that he is himself a member of, and which depends on workers being divided for his position and wealth.

[@marisabeltran3084]

"I don't think there is any justifiable defense for that in economy" Meaning everything is our fault.

[@eliasariel8758]

He specifically referred to the example he gave of GM motors

[@calebbryan840]

@@eliasariel8758 yeah he gives a single example of a seemingly inefficient union while neglecting to show how the union actually affected productivity and with little explanation for why different workers might want their responsibilities clearly defined. This guy is a corporate shill Edit: His second point is more relevant, but still not a valid argument against trade unions. Yes, globalization means workers have to compete internationally with more non-union workers. The answer is not to abandon labor organization, but to internationalize it. Workers will never be free until they fight together for better condition, regardless of nationality. Capital is international, organized labor needs to become so as well

[@taxicamel]

Now apply this video narrative to UNIONIZED PUBLIC SECTOR GOVERNMENT WORKERS. In Canada, 25% of the entire work force across Canada works in the PUBLIC SECTOR ....which is CIVIC, PROVINCIAL, and FEDERAL. This means that for every FOUR workers .....THREE of them is paying for the FOURTH. The question is, "WHAT ARE THESE WORKERS PRODUCING?" Well, the important ones are building and maintaining and working in INFRASTRUCTURES .....roads, water, sewers, power grid, gas lines, hospitals, education, etc. The rest of them are dealing with the paperwork ....the controls, documentation, approvals, financials, etc. Then you've got the heavy, overloaded GOVERNMENTS in each of the levels. This is where the huge problem lies in the bureaucratic system occupied by people desperate for POWER AND AUTHORITY OVER OTHERS. The absolute worst example of this in Canada, for the past 8 years is the prime minister JUSTIN TURDEAU, who has increased the federal employee count, spent/wasted money primarily in the eastern part of Canada, doling out $BILLION$ to corporations ....which the CANADIAN TAXPAYER is responsible to pay for this record debt. So, with respect to what "CONSUMERS" are prepared or able to pay for ANYTHING ......their paycheques are paying out over 20% to FEDERAL, and 10% PROVINCIAL ....THEN THERE'S THE CIVIC PROPERTY TAXES which is .5% to 1.3% depending on the municipality. IT ALL KEEPS ON ADDING UP AND KEEPS INCREASING YEAR AFTER YEAR ......AS EVERY GOVERNMENT LEVEL KEEPS ON GROWING YEAR AFTER YEAR .....AND EVERY EVERY GOVERNMENT LEVEL IS UNIONIZED. So when there is a recession and interest rates drop accordingly ....INCREASES THAT UNIONS DEMAND AND GET .....DO NOT GO DOWN ......THEIR INCREASES ARE PERMANENT AND JUST KEEP GOING UP UNTIL THEIR NEXT "COLLECTIVE BARGAINING" ...WHEN THEY WILL DEMAND MORE AGAIN. The bottom line is the COST OF LIVING .....not just in Canada .....just keeps going up and "workers" .....PRIVATE SECTOR UNION WORKERS .....will ALSO continue to demand more and will STRIKE .......USING CONSUMERS AS LEVERAGE. It is now January 2023. This article was done in 2015. The history and supporting facts since ARE ALREADY IN PLACE since 2015. Canada has the largest debt load in its history, thanks to JUSTIN TURDEAU .......who has completely failed the country with dozens of problems all across the country outside of the financial problems, with issues like cultural problems due to an immigration problem of numbers that cannot support this influx to a country that is one of the most expensive in the world ....to immigrants who simply cannot afford to live here. They cannot afford MILLION-DOLLAR housing which is what the benchmark is ....let alone afford feeding and clothing themselves ....which CANADIAN TAXPAYERS will be forced to support in new additional welfare costs that previously did not exist ....along with FEDERALLY FUNDED new housing costs ....again, that previously did not exist. UNIONS ACROSS CANADA, PRIVATE SECTOR AND PUBLIC SECTOR, DO NOT CARE ABOUT THE COSTS TO CONSUMER GOING UP. UNIONS ARE ONLY INTERESTED IN GETTING MORE MONEY THAT IS HIGHER THAN INFLATION. .

[@mab1ism]

The problem with union workers is they call everybody bro.

[@thelza1770]

Guilty, I even call my supervisor bro...

[@vgrepairs]

Brotherz

[@eddyvideostar]

@@thelza1770: This is Matthew's point: Comedians and chameleons: Pinnocchios' posterior pigmented noses -- a deeper shade of cleft, and cleavage chromatics.

[@jgaa5045]

Now salary workers get screwed. I work 60-70hrs a week and don't get paid after 40. My hourly workers are a UAW. It's almost better to be a union hourly employee than management. We need a union!

[@roachitane]

What does AUW stand for? Tried looking it up btw but there’s a few results

[@jgaa5045]

UAW, United Auto Workers@@roachitane

[@WPaKFamily]

@@roachitane UAW is the autoworkers union in the states.

[@Drizzt_Do_Entreri]

That's the point of being a salaried employee. If you want an hourly to job to get paid for your overtime then go out and get it. Stop complaining about your job. You knew this going in. Unions suck. Capitalism is fair and says I will pay you a certain amount for "x" amount of work. If you don't like it then hit the road jack.

[@jgaa5045]

@@Drizzt_Do_Entreri That's not the point of a salaried employee. You're a fucking moron.

[@nguday2003]

Shocker! Wealthy corporations create think tanks to fight against workers gaining power.

[@eliyahumorning]

It's all in the glasses.

[@douglashunt9450]

How much does the General manager make at the car companies per year!? We’re not focusing on the right things. Unions are absolutely necessary for a healthy middle class.

[@vgrepairs]

Damn right

[@nelcomargaming6612]

Unions to me seem for people who are not ambitious. Union workers like only working 40 hours a week

[@douglashunt9450]

@@nelcomargaming6612 that’s because you have no idea what you’re talking. I’ve worked hard everyday of my career and will retire comfortably at 55 with only time invested. I hope all the best for you in your future of gaming.

[@douglashunt9450]

@@nelcomargaming6612 that’s because you have no idea what you are talking about. I’ll be comfortably retired at age 55 with only time invested. Good luck to you in the future and happy gaming.

[@nelcomargaming6612]

@@douglashunt9450 actually I do. Most people who are ambitious work more than 40 hours. The data shows that.

[@taylorborie]

That’s where nationalization comes in. The best defense against offshoring

[@poptraxx418]

That we lead to the nation being bankrupt the private sector is what produces wealth

[@kimobrien.]

@@poptraxx418 Workers need to take control of Industry, ake the job safe and expand production for human need not profit projections. The whole worlds industry must be run on with an international plan of cooperation among the peoples. The only thing the bosses are interested in doing is maximizing profits for themselves.

[@marisabeltran3084]

So unions are bad because we should be able to manage many tasks at once, and not get a livable wage to prevent passing the extra cost to the consumers so the company can compete globally? 🤔

[@Lobos222]

Germany has union based companies that make pencils. Yes, PENCILS! Why say such an anecdotal thing? Because wages isnt the only aspect to exports.

[@AriLequen]

He literally said it's ok to unionize when it doesn't affect the profits of my companies

[@rowantheboatadair]

As a socialist, the majority of comments here give me hope

[@Kuonlin]

Same

[@greenearth9945]

The sad reality about Mcdonalds is that they have more than enough to pay their workers decent wages. Im from Denmark and here mcdonalds workers are paid 21$/hour, with pension, sick leave, 1 year maternity leave and a free choice account (6% of salary). They still make a profit and Denmark have a similar GDP/capita as United States and products cost nearly the same. The funny thing is Mcdonalds have among the lowest salaries in Denmark.

[@АлишерМакашев-ж1ш]

Tl;dr: the “an increase in wages will result in an increase in prices” argument is a right-wing myth that isn’t backed up by any real statistics and is disproved by real life instances like the one that you mentioned

[@drwalka10]

no they don't ...

[@gwynlordofgettingparriedby2296]

@@drwalka10 How about you provide something to back up a simple response like "no they don't"

[@babybry311]

With your tax rate at around 45% it would be essentially the same as you making minimum wage in the USA.

[@DsgSleazy]

@@babybry311 Literally, Europeans like to throw their wages and benefits in our faces thinking that we don't know how much they're taxed to even get those things.

[@richardgietzen4591]

Where did they find this guy : what an incredible ( simplistic / bias / and truly uninformed ) analysis of unions .

[@RudeGoat]

Yes if all we care for is soaring profits for the owner class. Then yea he's right. But if we want to preserve wages. Then guess what. The janitor can clean my spill and I'll turn the wrench. Forget the rich.

[@lapatossu5976]

He's right in saying that labor unions can and should play a bigger part in the labor market. The eradication of the labor unions is the single biggest reason for the demise of the middle class in America and the widening gap in income inequality. But, it's ridiculous to argue that American workers wages have to be competitive with the rest of the world. How do you compete in wages with countries like China or India where workers can get as low as $1 an hour... it's just not possible unless US wants to reduce itself to a third world country. There's no point in even trying. There's plenty of countries where workers have decent wages and they still have plenty of work to go around.. Canada, Australia, UK, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Switzerland... I could go on.

[@sunamkevinjang4615]

tis why globalization hurts local labor market for 1st world countries.

[@anthonydortone2266]

If it wasn't for the Unions there would be no middle class

[@DOG-bt6vy]

I think we should have what are known as co-determination laws more than unions. They would essentially act like little unions built into every company and workers could decide on whether they are willing to sacrifice higher wages for more jobs or vice versa. They can also put pressure on the boards to be more equitable in their wealth distribution.

[@user-BasedChad]

Any proof? You just say and say but dont justify the things that you are saying

[@jetetarro]

@@DOG-bt6vy Except, in Germany, labor unions campaigned, and fought for co-determination laws, where unions members elected their own people for councils and boards--essentially mandating shop floor representation and empowering worker's unions. In Germany wages are negoattied between workers councils (elected by unions and their members) and employer associations where wages are negotiated industry-wide instead of business by business. Co-determination laws will help, but if we implement those laws without strong labor unions---we will be wondering why they don't work as efficiently and effectively as Germany.

[@thedruiddiaries6378]

The chair example sounds reasonable until you recognize that if everyone always puts back their chairs those workers whose job that is becomes redundant and they eventually will loose their jobs. This is only an analogy. The reality is that this is applied to other things. Real life example...an older woman knowledgeable, experienced...is being asked ot pick up slack for other departments and management, above and outside of her actual job description despite it cutting into needed time for her actual work. She has little choice but to agree from fears over loosing that job die to age and gender vulnerabilities. Not because she is less affective in her work, but the reality is that they are making her look that way by taking her time and energy away from the work she was hired for. She is then asked to train other people. Then she is retired early due to stress and replaced by several younger people at entry level. This is when a union is really needed,

[@kimobrien.]

We need to take control of industry and make every job a union job such that we can plan when to move production from one area of production to another with the least disruption in our lives.

[@dancom3207]

I didn't hear anything about CEOs or upper management taking a cut.

[@AK-47ISTHEWAY]

Because he is paid by the CEOs and upper management to spread this propaganda.

[@GVolker1108]

The problem with union is the government (who is fully aware) allows loose language in law which doesn’t hold the leadership accountable for action or in most cases their lack of action

[@jeriahburkholder4917]

That problem is even worse with the heads of corporations

[@mostazezo]

i'm gonna ask folks to read the username of this here individual. Licks a boot faster than a cat can lick it's ass.

[@kimobrien.]

@@jeriahburkholder4917 We don't want the bosses government getting involved in union business because whatever they do it will be done to defeat us.

[@taxicamel]

Speaking of "GOVERNMENT" .....now apply this video narrative to UNIONIZED PUBLIC SECTOR GOVERNMENT WORKERS. In Canada, 25% of the entire work force across Canada works in the PUBLIC SECTOR ....which is CIVIC, PROVINCIAL, and FEDERAL. This means that for every FOUR workers .....THREE of them is paying for the FOURTH. The question is, "WHAT ARE THESE WORKERS PRODUCING?" Well, the important ones are building and maintaining and working in INFRASTRUCTURES .....roads, water, sewers, power grid, gas lines, hospitals, education, etc. The rest of them are dealing with the paperwork ....the controls, documentation, approvals, financials, etc. Then you've got the heavy, overloaded GOVERNMENTS in each of the levels. This is where the huge problem lies in the bureaucratic system occupied by people desperate for POWER AND AUTHORITY OVER OTHERS. The absolute worst example of this in Canada, for the past 8 years is the prime minister JUSTIN TURDEAU, who has increased the federal employee count, spent/wasted money primarily in the eastern part of Canada, doling out $BILLION$ to corporations ....which the CANADIAN TAXPAYER is responsible to pay for this record debt. So, with respect to what "CONSUMERS" are prepared or able to pay for ANYTHING ......their paycheques are paying out over 20% to FEDERAL, and 10% PROVINCIAL ....THEN THERE'S THE CIVIC PROPERTY TAXES which is .5% to 1.3% depending on the municipality. IT ALL KEEPS ON ADDING UP AND KEEPS INCREASING YEAR AFTER YEAR ......AS EVERY GOVERNMENT LEVEL KEEPS ON GROWING YEAR AFTER YEAR .....AND EVERY EVERY GOVERNMENT LEVEL IS UNIONIZED. So when there is a recession and interest rates drop accordingly ....INCREASES THAT UNIONS DEMAND AND GET .....DO NOT GO DOWN ......THEIR INCREASES ARE PERMANENT AND JUST KEEP GOING UP UNTIL THEIR NEXT "COLLECTIVE BARGAINING" ...WHEN THEY WILL DEMAND MORE AGAIN. The bottom line is the COST OF LIVING .....not just in Canada .....just keeps going up and "workers" .....PRIVATE SECTOR UNION WORKERS .....will ALSO continue to demand more and will STRIKE .......USING CONSUMERS AS LEVERAGE. It is now January 2023. This article was done in 2015. The history and supporting facts since ARE ALREADY IN PLACE since 2015. Canada has the largest debt load in its history, thanks to JUSTIN TURDEAU .......who has completely failed the country with dozens of problems all across the country outside of the financial problems, with issues like cultural problems due to an immigration problem of numbers that cannot support this influx to a country that is one of the most expensive in the world ....to immigrants who simply cannot afford to live here. They cannot afford MILLION-DOLLAR housing which is what the benchmark is ....let alone afford feeding and clothing themselves ....which CANADIAN TAXPAYERS will be forced to support in new additional welfare costs that previously did not exist ....along with FEDERALLY FUNDED new housing costs ....again, that previously did not exist. UNIONS ACROSS CANADA, PRIVATE SECTOR AND PUBLIC SECTOR, DO NOT CARE ABOUT THE COSTS TO CONSUMER GOING UP. UNIONS ARE ONLY INTERESTED IN GETTING MORE MONEY THAT IS HIGHER THAN INFLATION. .

[@PricelessBinkey1337]

Speaking as a person who is watching a union form in my company right now, my company has statements in their contracts that say something along the lines of "and will help in whatever the business requires" which to some might seem like they're including that for jobs like shoveling snow, but what that ends up turning into is your closing and going home at 2:00 in the morning and being forced to wake up and go open the store at 5 in the morning, helping clean a sewage flood, and standing in, no shit, -25° weather for hours at a time.

[@phillipborbon2059]

Ok let's compete with other countries. Drop the prices for food, rent, mortgages, health, etc. Wanna pay wages like other countries? Let's have prices like them. Want European wages, free Healthcare and education then.

[@bgiv2010]

This, my friends, is why economics is called "the dismal science".

[@bgiv2010]

@@JosephSneep country brought to you by slavery. I can do this all day.

[@ToyotaGuy1971]

Rhetoric.

[@bgiv2010]

@@ToyotaGuy1971 comment.

[@russelljames5631]

So then the car companies shouldn’t be allowed to sell their cars here if their workers can’t afford them.

[@eliyahumorning]

Based.

[@Pinkie007]

The irony is that most unions tend to hate capitalism. What you you think unionising is? Negotiating. Using leverage. Nothing wrong with that. It’s literally the definition of capitalism.

[@ElTokeMaestro]

True

[@johnmoore9862]

Capitalism will nurse when your sick & look after you when you’ve worked a lifetime………….🤪.

[@jetetarro]

Listen carefully. How can American workers compete with Chinese wages, or Vietnamese wages. We can’t. he’s suggesting Americans wages have to decrease. let that sink in

[@Mrcurious0323]

This global competition situation is only possible when a global hegemon (US Navy) can patrol the world's oceans for trade among all nations. Once that leaves, employers will have to face unions again

[@tD-wp5vj]

they still have anti union views with conservatives?

[@taxicamel]

Now apply this video narrative to UNIONIZED PUBLIC SECTOR GOVERNMENT WORKERS. In Canada, 25% of the entire work force across Canada works in the PUBLIC SECTOR ....which is CIVIC, PROVINCIAL, and FEDERAL. This means that for every FOUR workers .....THREE of them is paying for the FOURTH. The question is, "WHAT ARE THESE WORKERS PRODUCING?" Well, the important ones are building and maintaining and working in INFRASTRUCTURES .....roads, water, sewers, power grid, gas lines, hospitals, education, etc. The rest of them are dealing with the paperwork ....the controls, documentation, approvals, financials, etc. Then you've got the heavy, overloaded GOVERNMENTS in each of the levels. This is where the huge problem lies in the bureaucratic system occupied by people desperate for POWER AND AUTHORITY OVER OTHERS. The absolute worst example of this in Canada, for the past 8 years is the prime minister JUSTIN TURDEAU, who has increased the federal employee count, spent/wasted money primarily in the eastern part of Canada, doling out $BILLION$ to corporations ....which the CANADIAN TAXPAYER is responsible to pay for this record debt. So, with respect to what "CONSUMERS" are prepared or able to pay for ANYTHING ......their paycheques are paying out over 20% to FEDERAL, and 10% PROVINCIAL ....THEN THERE'S THE CIVIC PROPERTY TAXES which is .5% to 1.3% depending on the municipality. IT ALL KEEPS ON ADDING UP AND KEEPS INCREASING YEAR AFTER YEAR ......AS EVERY GOVERNMENT LEVEL KEEPS ON GROWING YEAR AFTER YEAR .....AND EVERY EVERY GOVERNMENT LEVEL IS UNIONIZED. So when there is a recession and interest rates drop accordingly ....INCREASES THAT UNIONS DEMAND AND GET .....DO NOT GO DOWN ......THEIR INCREASES ARE PERMANENT AND JUST KEEP GOING UP UNTIL THEIR NEXT "COLLECTIVE BARGAINING" ...WHEN THEY WILL DEMAND MORE AGAIN. The bottom line is the COST OF LIVING .....not just in Canada .....just keeps going up and "workers" .....PRIVATE SECTOR UNION WORKERS .....will ALSO continue to demand more and will STRIKE .......USING CONSUMERS AS LEVERAGE. It is now January 2023. This article was done in 2015. The history and supporting facts since ARE ALREADY IN PLACE since 2015. Canada has the largest debt load in its history, thanks to JUSTIN TURDEAU .......who has completely failed the country with dozens of problems all across the country outside of the financial problems, with issues like cultural problems due to an immigration problem of numbers that cannot support this influx to a country that is one of the most expensive in the world ....to immigrants who simply cannot afford to live here. They cannot afford MILLION-DOLLAR housing which is what the benchmark is ....let alone afford feeding and clothing themselves ....which CANADIAN TAXPAYERS will be forced to support in new additional welfare costs that previously did not exist ....along with FEDERALLY FUNDED new housing costs ....again, that previously did not exist. UNIONS ACROSS CANADA, PRIVATE SECTOR AND PUBLIC SECTOR, DO NOT CARE ABOUT THE COSTS TO CONSUMER GOING UP. UNIONS ARE ONLY INTERESTED IN GETTING MORE MONEY THAT IS HIGHER THAN INFLATION. .

[@samrankin6069]

Demarcation disputes tend to be evidence that management treats workers with contempt unless there is a dispute.

[@SeSmokki]

God forbid a multimillion company has to pay a living wage 😱 Won't anyone please think of the CEOs?! Let's eat the rich.

[@brevinainslie6357]

Unions are overwhelmingly positive for everyone involved: customer, contractor, employee. The customer gets top notch, high quality work; the contractor knows their employees are very highly skilled (less uh-ohs), safer workers, and they are continuously improving on their skill sets; the employee has better wages, better benefits, safer working conditions. Just because something is cheaper certainly does NOT make it better. Cutting corners on new building construction, shutdown jobs, auto making, etc., only incurs costs later on which many times will offset any savings in the short term on wages or fringe benefits.

[@given-namesurname5740]

@Pawel Olownia does that invalidate unions? Unions get their members paid more, who wouldn't want that? Besides cheapskate employers

[@given-namesurname5740]

@Zack Macdowell what an effective debate tactic: take the baseless statement your buddy made that I shot down, then rephrase it. I'd be interested in your logic for why child labor laws, work safety, fair and equal pay and opportunity, standardized work weeks and weekends, and a heep of other things union members fought and died for, are tyranny. I can understand why union "bosses" (aka chosen representatives of their members) would be so unpleasant to you when scumbag kleptocrats and oligarchs fill heads like yours with all this trash, and flies like you buzz around them for their "trickle down" scraps.

[@te179]

Lmfao at the top notch high quality work part 😂

[@given-namesurname5740]

@Zack Macdowell What exemplary polemics from you. I'm sure you were quite a "debater" in 8th grade, but now that you're in 9th, you're gonna have to step your game up. Spunky kids like you can be our future leaders if you apply yourself so I'll smarten you up. You're right, I do have a miraculous phone like that, and I'm thankful for my life every day. So if I wanted to get a new pair of Nikes, I could do that for a hundred dollars or less, because they're produced in developing nations where they pernicilously exploit their workforce, animals, and the environment. Apple too, Unilever, and plenty more. All instances in which companies get to be authoritarian due to weak worker representation. The work week - those people couldn't get a 2nd job? Or "side hustle"? Or make themselves more in-demand? They're stuck in that position, are they? How about paying them the same overall wage for more hours of work? That'll definitely get them ahead. So poor people with no creds are now entitled to cheap labor to exploit? If they want a job, fast food is always hiring. If they want a business, that's where "self-made" comes in. And let's not pretend like major corporations pay so much, they're always looking to cut costs. Always. Your use of bland ad hominem increases as your "argument" continues, like you mean to distract from your lack of substance. Like your comment about minimum wage. Just a throwaway line and an insult. You definitely "understand basic economics." You're not arguing with my view of economics though, you're arguing with people like Joseph Stiglitz. You make the bootlicker comment then jump right to bootlicking oligarchs and kleptocrats. That's called projection. As for "shit on wealthy people" - I haven't edited my comments like you, quote me. Neither is correcting you "glorifying" union "bosses" aka elected representatives. I'd honestly like to know how child labor laws, work safety, equal pay for equal work, and the myriad of other positive advances unions fought for and won "hurt" nonunionized workers, who also benefit. Calling someone "cucked" or "retarded" (too dumb to even spell that one correctly, are you?) while showing yourself as both since you seem like quite the Koch sucker whether you know it or not. Like I said, projection. Paying union fees contributes to an organization that gets their members paid more. "Right to work" is a euphemism for corporate crony anti-union sentiment where they get useful idiots like you, and though you are quite the idiot, your usefulness is very doubtful. Your small mind clearly can't comprehend that there are other countries with different union systems, including employer unions. And what a surprise, it works so well for them that they outrank the USA on their standards of living. Hope all the garbage in your head left some room for you to learn something positive here.

[@hithere5553]

@Pawel Olownia better compensation of labor means higher worker motivation on average. You treat your employees poorly they’ll treat you poorly.

[@zuzu-fe5ro]

It’s so transparent to just be like “sure, McDonald’s can unionize, but don’t organize if you work in any important industries.” Literally the most cowardly and subtle way of saying that you oppose truly effective worker democracy. It’s like you’re letting us play the game, but only after you’ve unplugged the controller

[@sassypuddin8226]

Compete for what? Who benefits from all this supposed “competition?” When nobody has to play a game where people’s lives and livelihoods are on the line, a competition is arbitrary and meaningless. Capitalism is just a big game to these damn people

[@Robert-rw5lm]

Freelance workers who don't want to be attached to unions benefit

[@todoldtrafford]

Workers. I made all of my employers compete for me. Doubled my salary in a few years. Making 6 figures after tax

[@mrsmith2876]

European and japanese manufacturers are heavily unionized. Korean car manufacturers are semi government controlled and must use the same parts and technologies as the others by law.

[@josephatnip2398]

And IBEW union electrician in my area makes 36 bucks an hour roughly a non union electrician in my area tops out right around $10 or less an hour at about 26 or 27 dollars an hour but do you know why non-union electricians get paid as much as I do because non-union companies are afraid that their non union electricians will leave and go work for the Union Union workers get guaranteed vacation union workers get guaranteed paid time off union workers don't get screwed Monday through Thursday being forced to work overtime and stay late but then when Friday rolls around get sent home early because the company doesn't want to pay overtime when you work for a union you have protection from Bad management I've seen that a million times where the higher a new middle management in non-union company and so he can justify his salary he starts looking for people to get rid of or people to ride up I've seen some crazy things in non-union companies ridiculous things and do you know why a place like General Motors has so many different compartmentalised jobs because if they didn't it would be like everywhere else baby keep asking you to do more and more everyday for the same amount of pay until you're miserable every year you would get less and less vacation until eventually there is none are there is no sick paid time off they'll change Insurance on you saving the company money all in the name of profit but now it'll cost you more per week to ensure your family and have a higher deductible because the company doesn't truly care about you at all and there is nobody speaking up for you

[@LeonardoYouTube8]

Joseph Atnip thank you for this comment, I found it very helpful. If you don’t mind me telling you something please use some punctuation. It was a bit difficult to read your comment. Otherwise thanks again for your knowledge on the subject.

[@destinhook3826]

IBEW local 613 member here. we don’t get paid holidays, time off or sick days. we get $32 an hour but non union is around $25-28. AND were forced to work overtime or we get laid off and have to go sign the books lol.

[@loreleilazuli8874]

@@destinhook3826 Why haven't you dropped out of the union then if it's so bad?? Liar.

[@destinhook3826]

@@loreleilazuli8874 not a liar, just a 613 member that would like more benefits. That’s the entire point of the Union; better benefits for the people.

[@TheShangralaaaa17]

id much rather have a non union electrician. least the job would get done

[@danielscott1007]

Incompetence, laziness and apathy are what unions breed… if you are a hard working, ambitious individual who doesn’t take advantage, like most union members, you wouldn’t ever need a union.

[@AndrewJM]

the more productive you are, the more efficiency the companies will try to wring out of you... how close to your breaking point can they push you just before you eventually snap, and then when you do, you'll be removed and replaced .....thats what would happen if conpanies all were ethical, you'd have a point....but theyre not.

[@garrettstephens91]

Regarding the first part: I can definitely see that as a problem with come Unions but the Pipefitting Unions, Electrical Unions, etc you are not limited unless you lack certifications and you just go to your Hall and get the said certifications and you're good. Regarding the second point, that's easy: Simply bring back all US manufacturing. Ban companies from goong overseas, reinstate America as an economic powerhouse again, and then tarif other countries who try and produce goods like ours.

[@taxicamel]

If this was to happen "simply bring back all US manufacturing", consumers would never be able to purchase as much as they do now. The consumer, in very general terms, could not afford a pair of jeans if they were made in the U.S. .....nor ANY piece of clothing ....INCLUDING UNDERWEAR! Now apply this to 95% of ALL kitchen appliances, 99% of ALL plumbing and electrical materials, .....and at the list of "consumer products" is endless ......and the commerce of the U.S. would shut down because very few consumers could afford anything. That's how your "SIMPLE" idea would end up. With respect to your FIRST "fix" ....."just go to your Hall and get the said certifications and you're good." ....is one of the typical, irresponsible comments on KZbin. .

[@nongpraduwarrior5375]

Tradesmen and laborers deserve better wage. Unions guaranteed this. GM can suck it and their tax write offs.

[@gambit2129]

I dont get this idea... guys on top making millions while others make 4$ above min wage struggling to keep things together... bonuses and bs. " well, we keep things going on the business end, without us there is not business!" " without us there is no cars built!" 2 sides to the coin all deserve coin. It's a fuckin coin and ain't one side should be better than the other.

[@THEFOXDOG01]

its the CEO that makes the sacrifice. No matter what happens to the company the worker will always get paid or laid off. If the CEOs company fails, He/she will take the hit, the worker will only have to find another job. At the end of pay week the CEO gets whatever is left. which isnt the millions people think it is, the millions come from shares within the company. Just look up Jeff Bezos. I think he only makes like 80k-100k.

[@jaxonkaeller8730]

@@THEFOXDOG01 No, look up the average salary of CEO’s, not one person who owns the richest company on earth. Let’s be clear, CEO’s of corporations are not suffering or struggling in America, the worker is

[@johnfurlong5472]

@@THEFOXDOG01 “Jeff Bezos only makes $100k a year” 😂

[@jameshowlett2694]

bigT Jeff bezos clearly bought one of his 25-bathroom houses (seriously) off a 100k a year salary

[@Lord_Great_Popo]

@@jameshowlett2694 it's because he is a share holder you dumb ass, when he need money he liquidate share.

[@j2daakob]

"Muh economy muh line go up"

[@aapedrego]

I’m sorry but I’m allergic to bullshit

[@Haywood_Jablomay]

The union saved my cousin. He is a drug addict. He couldn't get fired due to union protection. Also, he has no education, puts rivets in a car door, and can still strong arm the "evil" rich owner of the company for higher wages.

[@alfredoalcantar8691]

Technically we are hiring idiots.

[@TheShangralaaaa17]

so what youre saying is unions are good cause your drug addict relative whos a moron and should be fired cant lose his job cause hes a union member?

[@ajarofmayonnaise3250]

@@TheShangralaaaa17 He is trying to mock unions. Not supporting it.

[@yeemem4580]

Imagien defending owners who will fire you the moment they have a inch to gain like a peasent defending a king how pathetic

[@Haywood_Jablomay]

@@yeemem4580 unions are great. Strong arm the evil business owners to pay hillbilly employees $50 an hour thus causing the cost of the product to rise punishing the consumer. Or force the business owner to go over seas lol

[@gregglevin5612]

UNION WORKERS ARE AFRAID OF CORPORATE AND THE UNION REP'S TOO. CORP. AND UNIONS ARE IN BED TOGETHER. FACTS.

[@LambertBowden56]

Unions can become just as greedy as the company they are working for. Take Detroit for example.

[@kimobrien.]

Detroit is an example of the bosses out of control greed .

[@LambertBowden56]

​@@kimobrien.Wrong... Some companies went under because the unions demands were too much. Some of those companies were barely making a profit as it was.

[@kimobrien.]

@@LambertBowden56 Some companies were barely making a profit? Well why didn't the ones making big profits come to the aid of the losers? The truth is the capitalist overproduce and then they can't sell at a profit. So they the enter into a crisis of overproduction. To much for sale and not enough buyers. Then they cry poverty and demand wage cuts. Since wage cuts trigger strikes they took the advice of Keynes to rob the workers though the use of Central bank generated inflation.

[@chloe5375]

so uh does that mean when the prices constantly increase but our wages don’t, whats that for ? why does price have to increase if wages increase? prices are going to increase regardless of our wages. you increase prices but don’t increase our wages at the same time to make it proportional, so why would you do different?

[@adamx182]

the only problem with unions is we're not at 100% density

[@nguday2003]

How about the problem with corporations that destroy our air and water, that pay poverty wages, and that leave to seek lower standards they can take advantage of. Nothing about that?

[@pointyfingers]

We have to compete with Vietnam! Have you seen their MBA programs?!

[@lukadosa6034]

The countries they are competing with have unions as well tho

[@Jer0tube]

How is it that we can willingly throw insult and accusations at unions (the people that work and make businesses operate, the people whom are often the lowest paid in society), treat them like criminals, accuse them of being the cause of business collapse, and people who are just trying to cope with the rising costs of living, yet say or do absolutely nothing about the self proclaimed "elite" grossly over entitled people such as supermarket, aviation, mining CEO's taking home millions in remuneration every year with massive bonuses?

[@182britania]

Competitive so the bosses and shareholders can line their pockets,the workers are waking up to the vasts amount of money being made off the back of the working class.

[@YO-pf3pq]

Then go create a competitive company that can compete on globally and have a union. None of you can cuz its unsustainable.

[@182britania]

@@YO-pf3pq in English please

[@kylekleveno3283]

@@YO-pf3pq we have a major grocer in my region of Chicagoland called Jewel Osco. EVERY single one of there 200 stores in the region are unionized, they’re the most successful grocer and retail business in the region by a large margin. The idea that business can’t be union and be successful is absolute bullshit. Corps just don’t want to have there workers self sufficient.

[@paul329869]

That title is willfully idiotic in its message and unions are the wave of the future! #prounions #SolidarityForever

[@sunbowrainshine]

Guys, I dont think he likes it when workers work together to have a say in their working conditions. Just a feeling.

[@6rake9]

He is pretty much saying he doesn't like them because he has to share a little bit more money to the people who are actually doing dangerous work. I'm sorry but, selfishness does not convince me. They are going to make massive profit anyways and taking a minor pay cut to improve employee health and well being in my eyes is worth it. Unions are here to stay. Without them I garuntee companies will go back to paying workers as cheaply as possible with little to no benefits.

[@roachitane]

Can see where he’s coming from, even Japan are outsourcing for Chinese labour to make there automobiles 😂

[@dirgeslatki3637]

Unions hold people like this to account. That isn't something these people like.

[@kimobrien.]

This is BS. The problem with the UAW was the refusal to organize more workers and a labor party. Not Unions killing productivity. Instead the union tops collaborated with "our company." to blame foreign competition while foreign auto companies built non union plants here. Obviously if Toyota and others are building plants here the price of labor is not the problem but letting the bosses run production for private profit is.

[@FranzKafkaRockOpera]

This obscure, ostensibly unpopular video was the third result when I searched for Joe Hill's socialist folk song "There is Power in a Union", which is damn suspicious. Anyway, down with this obviously self-serving pablum. Join your local union today!

[@ajbarraza8894]

The situation isn't black and white. He made a good point.

[@lapatabelluda2240]

Ok and why a ceo gets millions of dollars but not the employees so we have a problem if they try to pay the employees 24 n hour but we don’t have a problem a ceo getting millions a year hmm

[@wesjimez2941]

Unions do a good job bankrupting companies, creating inflation, and not encouraging innovation.

[@hotwax9376]

The problem is not with unions per se, but with the hostile and antagonistic role they take toward employers, and growing up in Michigan, I saw firsthand the tremendous harm this can do. As a worker, union or nonunion, you should want your company to succeed because when the company prospers, they can increase your pay and benefits. (Whether or not they choose to is another issue, but they only are able to when they make money.) But instead of working with the company, rich union bosses decide to work against it. This may help them line their pockets with dues, but it's the workers whose jobs, pay and benefits are all put at risk by that greed and corruption. Perhaps someday the unions will wake up and realize that it's better to work with company than against it, but until then, American manufacturing will continue to remain uncompetitive and jobs will continue to be shipped out of our country.

[@mikexxxmilly]

I live in Alabama and work for an auto manufacturer with over 5000 associates. UAW tried it with us and we shot it down. Southerners aren't very fond of unions thank god. Were already treated very well, financially and personally. Ridiculously good benefits and being a right to work state, they get rid of those who cant cut it making our jobs much easier. Its simple, pay well and you'll attract the best people. They will WANT to do a good job because there is an incredible amount of upward mobility, they will even train certain associates as engineers, automation techs etc right there in house.

[@taylor9131]

@@mikexxxmilly yeah, and that’s why the South consist of the poorest region in the USA. I’m as conservative as they come but fighting over crumbs in a race to the bottom isn’t the solution. I’m glad you seem to be happy with your job. I hope you continue to be compensated fairly. The reality is that is not the case for the vast majority of manufacturing in the US...just read about how Amazon workers are treated. I have a yearly raise, amazing health care, and a pension thanks to my union...how many other workers in America can say that? And don’t blame unions for American manufacturing being left behind. That was a Republican Congress and a democratic president selling us out to cheap foreign labor. And UAW did an excellent job defending their workers during the vaccine mandate, which if I had to guess you don’t agree with.

[@Lobos222]

Why dont you actually go read some unbiased history or at least look up which side ACTUALLY voted for NAFTA!

[@PricelessBinkey1337]

I think it's beneficial for the employers to not subject the employees to doing things that are not within their job description. Employees can and will oftentimes be incredibly loyal to their companies. But it's when they're subjected to bad treatment do the employees seek vindication. And I think less employees would look to unionize if they were treated right to begin with. (within reason)

[@chrislee176]

If employers won't hire me because they voluntarily prefer unionised workers, that's moral and fine. But when politicians/government officials command employers and me to only work together if union officials are involved, and threaten us with escalating State force if we collaborate without the union folks whom we don't want, then the aggressors who won't leave me and the people I want to work with alone are immoral and wrongheaded.

[@kimobrien.]

Ya well that doesn't happen except in the dreams of Ayn Rand and the bosses. Your just making up stories because your anti worker and anti union.

[@king0vdarkness]

1:38 bud.... you're kidding right? Basically saying, I know you can't feed your kid, but I need a lambo so... can you stay on a lower wage please? lmao Glad I don't work for an auto company then!

[@dirtphish3523]

Those $75k suvs are selling though lol. Jackasses

[@Dgc-vz2bv]

Being a equipment operator makin 26.59 an hour (paper work pay Label) I accepted the job but after only finding out the union takes 4.06 from my hourly pay for contributions leaving me with only 2K earned a month. After mortgage and bills paid I’m left with 600.46 cents a month. How the hell am I gonna make that work even with my rigorous budget I can’t make ends meet. Thanks to the union I can only work to pay bills and live like a peasant till I’m 57 or whenever the 84 and out pension kicks in. Awesome! I’ll be looking elsewhere soon for a better opportunity.

[@sheeppink5615]

Are you part of I.U.O.E? I am very interested in joining but can you tell me more? I want to hear the negatives

[@jetetarro]

You signed a work contract without knowing what you were going to be paid and that there were unions dues? Thats your fault buddy. Best blame yourself....cause if you keep blaming everyone else fro your problems.. you will always have problems. It is called personal responsibility my friend.

[@donger11111]

Something not adding up here? I currently make $22.51 hourly then after subtracting union dues, Health, vision and dental insurance, 401k @ 10%, $100 HSA, and taxes it comes out to $2800 take home for a non OT month. Also pretty much every operator I have met pulls in insane OT, myself included. My last check was $3960 take home because I had so much OT. Also you are saving 30% of your take-home pay after paying all of your bills and you are complaining? That's 10% more than the recommended and 30% more than what most Americans can save.

[@someonefamous8671]

@@donger11111 God damn you for making sense....Math FTW!

[@TheJester-ct5pi]

How is it possible you're only taking 2k a month when you make $22.53 an hour after union dues? $22.53 x 40hrs a week, x 4 weeks a month = $3,604.80 monthly. You can't possibly tell me state and federal taxes take more than $1500 a month. You're not lying are you?

[@CCoburn3]

Unions are NEVER for workers. They are, and have always been, for the UNIONS (i.e., the union bosses and union staff).

[@ricechido1089]

Just as how a pedophile opinion on anti pedophile doesn't matter. A rich person opinion on anti union doesn't matter

[@funkyscenario]

The real problem… CEO’s , millionaire execs that keep getting raises cuz the millions or billions isn’t enough. Putting the blame on workers just trying to get by is a shame. Damn you you little weasel

[@3ruffians10]

This is 💯 true. I know it’s hard to accept but created additional headcount that is not fully utilized through excessive job qualifications and inflated wages above the true market value only causes companies to have to recoup those costs through automation and future job elimination. Companies have to return profit to share holders or they cannot exist.

[@COSMOKRAT_616]

Im sorry is McDonald's not a global corporation in direct competition with other global fast food brands? I must've missed something.

[@ashonlangston8375]

What I'm understanding about unions are that they are a middle man for workers. People who can't/don't negotiate a wage they think they are worth. Benefits etc. It's interesting. The money has to come from somewhere though. Either the consumers are paying for it by higher cost products or the workers are paying with dues or the company pays out of profits.

[@kimobrien.]

The company bosses take a loss in profits which is wy the fight so hard against unions.

[@michaelanderson3096]

Non union clause within collective agreements 😮

[@chrislee176]

He fails to differentiate between everyone’s right to voluntarily join or contract with unions if they wish, and legally forcing people to do so.

[@sillymesilly]

You can’t work if you don’t join the Union

[@chrislee176]

@@sillymesilly When we say that 'I can't work without joining a union', it means one of two possibilities: 1) Employers won't hire me because they voluntarily prefer unionised workers, or 2) Government prohibits employers and me from working together without a union, under threat of escalating government force. There first scenario is voluntary and moral, the second is immoral threat/aggression against peaceable folk.

[@Mushicakes]

Nah let’s cap CEO and management pay raises and bonuses to save on costs instead and keep the unions. How about that?

[@courtneyboo90]

The problem is the cost of living.

[@eddyvideostar]

When there is union co-worker conflict, the shop stewards read the room, and play politics of favoritism and discrimination to protect their dues-paying nest.

[@southwest3369]

They don’t have to be competitive if you nationalise those companies and take them into public ownership thus increasing the quality of product/service rather than putting profit before people.

[@eliyahumorning]

Based.

[@hoffdawgwithmustard9647]

This dude sounds like a paid for shill

[@Lobos222]

Why not look up what the Aspen Institute really is. It is a right wing push club. I have even seen long seminars from this "institute" were they talked about workers needing more leverage bla bla bla, but then ending it with; "..., but Unions are not the answer." with a scared look on their face, as if they finally understood where they were.

[@JH-vy7uy]

Employers, like all citizens in the United States, have the right to free speech. Although employers cannot prevent unions from soliciting to their employees or punish employees for supporting a union, employers can express their disproval of labor unions to employees. Employers can explain to workers why they dislike unions and how unionization might affect the company. Labor Relations Act (NLRA) of 1935- This Act secures workers’ abilities to bargain as a group instead of individually. The NLRA prohibits employers from firing and disciplining workers for trying to organize labor! For the most part, employers cannot ban or discriminate against pro-union employees. If the employees want to be represented by a Union, they are free to make that choice. Employers must negotiate in collective bargaining if requested Both sides must negotiate in good faith, meaning that neither party can intentionally behave badly during negotiations Employers cannot prevent employees from organizing Employers cannot prohibit signs or symbols promoting the union Employers cannot promise or grant benefits to bribe employees Employers should not hold meetings about unions in a supervisor’s office U.S. employers are willing to use a wide range of legal and illegal tactics to frustrate the rights of workers to form unions and collectively bargain. Employers are charged with violating federal law in 41.5% of all union election campaigns. And one out of five union election campaigns involves a charge that a worker was illegally fired for union activity. Using more comprehensive measures, employers were charged with illegally firing workers in nearly a third (29.6%) of all NLRB-supervised elections, a violation of NLRA Section 8(a)(3)! Employers are charged with violating NLRA Section 8(a)(1) by making threats, engaging in surveillance activities, coercing, disciplining, changing work terms, threatening to remove benefits, threatening to close plants, questioning employees about their union activities or membership, spying or pretending to spy on union gatherings, granting wage increases deliberately timed to discourage employees from forming or joining a union, retaliating or harassing workers in nearly a third of all union election campaigns! Employers were more likely to be charged with violating the law where there were larger bargaining units. More than half (54.4%) of employers in elections involving more than 60 employees (roughly 25% of elections) were charged with violating federal law. Beyond this, there are many things employers can do legally to thwart union organizing; employers spend roughly $340 million annually on “union avoidance” consultants to help them stave off union elections. This combination of illegal conduct and legal coercion has ensured that union elections are characterized by employer intimidation and in no way reflect the democratic process guaranteed by the National Labor Relations Act. www.nlrb.gov/about-nlrb/rights-we-protect/the-law/coercion-of-employees-section-8b1a Far more U.S. workers want unions than have the benefit of representation today. In 2018, only 6.4% of private-sector workers were union members (BLS 2019). That stands in stark contrast to the nearly half (48%) of all nonunion workers who say they would vote for a union if given the opportunity-a 50% higher share than when a similar survey was taken in 1995 (Kochan et al. 2018). When workers are able to win union representation and collectively bargain, their wages, benefits, and working conditions improve. On average, a worker covered by a union contract earns 13.2% more than a peer with similar education, occupation, and experience in a nonunionized workplace in the same sector. Union workers are more likely to have employer-sponsored health insurance, and their employers contribute more toward those plans. They are also more likely to have paid vacation and sick leave. Union workers are more likely to have retirement plans, with their employers contributing more toward those plans than comparable nonunion employers do. Unions also create safer workplaces. And union workers are covered by due process protections, so that, unlike nonunion workers in the U.S., union workers cannot be fired “at will,” with no warning and for almost any reason.

[@kambam172]

I agree unions do need to exist in some extent however what many people seem to forget is that Many unions over value the work being done that doesn’t necessarily mean they can fight for a better pay however many unions have protected workers that are lazy, unproductive and outright horrible employees. Take for example teachers union, although they fight for better benefits and pay many of these unions protect teachers that are down right horrible in teaching leading to students to not actively understand material and causing for them to drop out but at the same time these inadequate teachers are taking tax payer dollars despite being so horrible. What needs to happen is that unions have to tie their workers to better working condition and pay to the extent of merit and productivity in regards to the business or working environment if not then you will get largely inadequate workers just like many teachers. By the way the more unions that there are then less entry level workers would be allowed to employ making it harder for young people to get into the field in which unions are heavily dominant.

[@ycnalcmot8993]

This all sounds stupid

[@mikexxxmilly]

It really says something when throughout my entire school career, I can think of three teachers that were worth af. They're definitely out there but the majority are under qualified and under motivated. Teachers should absolutely make more, it would incentivize motivated people to do the job.

[@disneylandonfire3538]

Any empirical proof? Are teachers bad because they're unionized? Or perhaps because education in the US is being commodified? Or perhaps there's a crisis in pedagogy overall? The problem of American education is pretty multifaceted, unions don't seem to play the crucial role. Ps: The video is an obvious think-tank nonsense propaganda.

[@godchrist5563]

With the wage earned and this was a few years ago, under a union a worker receives two raises per year, that is, a yearly raise and a cost of living raise. Unionism states ought to make a return under President Biden.

[@joeswanson733]

i don't think this debate about hte unions will ever end. do they really help protect workers or is their time long since over. meaning once the world is globalized and that we can offshore to other countries the unions have essentially died. why bother putting up with uninos when you can manufacture in vietnam, ship it back to the US and it's still cheaper than having it made in USA in sweat shops...

[@eddyvideostar]

Dear Joe Swanson: Well written.

[@AndrewJM]

spoken like a true trust fund baby....

[@marisabeltran3084]

This guy made absolutely no sense 😑 🙄... watch it again, what are the two reasons? 🤨

[@goldbergmcjewenstein3279]

that other countries are basically able to exploit their workers so owners will always choose to move jobs there and pay much less

[@matsuyamaalex]

Yeah.....if you've been with them for atleast 10 years with the older contracts from like 10-15 years ago Some unions are unnecessary like grocery stores, if you are skilled labor worker like a welder or truck driver the benefits are great Non-union jobs do tend to have more opportunities for full-time hours and overtime

[@yurkellis]

The problem with my union is that I’m forced to participate.

[@fightfannerd2078]

that's wrong my dad's union does the same thing

[@a.c.guerra9850]

At our company they put your name on the board for the ones who do not contribute

[@someonefamous8671]

Don't be a free rider bro

[@starsbyhum]

I'm sure you participate in the health benefits, pension plans and other union benefits such as union wages. You don't like it? Work non union and stop riding for free

[@yurkellis]

charles h all you’ve mentioned are employer benefits. Union collects money, doesn’t give. And for my money organizes protests I don’t support.

[@TheMwowner1]

its all about profit and corporate greed, honestly if you give the corporation leverage, union or non union, the corporation is going to run with it and take more and more until they completely devour you. This is why capitalism is going to fail, it will be profit over humanity.

[@emilolinsson7980]

Hey y'all Americans. Look to other countries in the world, America isn't the only country. Workers unions don't destroy the companies, but it will help the lower class to breach out of the socioeconomic lock that you have in America

[@prescottmotley5225]

What I hear from him is a race to the bottom.

[@MrGarkin]

Are there ANY positive economy and consumer effect from unions?

[@Lobos222]

You think having a large and strong middle class that produce more demand is a negative? Why the F do you think USA become a super power during its golden era? It was because it had a LARGE middle class that produce a very large amount of demand. You need good wages for people to be part of the middle class. To put it another way. A few rich guys getting extra tax reduction wont help the nation sell more toilet paper because despite the amount of shit that comes out of their ass and mouth. They will still need less wipes than 140 million consumers! If you want a strong economy, you need a large middle class and a key way to retain a large middle class is to have strong Union memberships. This is why my nation of 5 million people fly F35s and gain more budget revenue via sales tax than oil!