Why Unions Matter to You | Robert Reich

Robert Reich explains why labor unions impact the middle class and raise wages.
Watch More: Why Right to Work is Wrong ►► • Why Right-to-Work is W...

[@artistevolution]

My dad was in a union and my mother was not. They both worked in a factory my entire childhood and my Dad kept getting raises and better benefits, vacation time, etc. while my mother didn’t and now 25+ years later my Dad is almost ready to retire while my mom struggled (they got divorced when I was a teenager). Luckily, she remarried recently but had she not, she might’ve had to move in with me. I was lucky enough to grow up and literally see what almost exactly the same job can look like with and without a union.

[@brianmerkosky9243]

Many countries don't even need a minimum wage because unions and labour agreements are so strong their is an industry set minimum without government intervention. Anyone who is for market based solutions rather than government regulations should be for unionization. Let the free market decide wages and benefits but allow the free market to have the tools in order to do so.

[@kevinconrad6156]

That is a great argument. Thanks.

[@shesh2265]

Well we in austria have the 8th highest wages in the world and we have a system called collective bargaining or in german the Kollektivvertrag (collective contract literally speaking) and it allows for the unions to have set in stone wages enforced by the government for ALL PEOPLE working in a specific job type. For example are metal industry workers are extremely well payed because they are almost all unionized. In a genuine free market corporations would use immenseley predatory tactics to weaken unions

[@shesh2265]

@Frederic Bastiat What a load of shit with no evidence

[@shesh2265]

@Frederic Bastiat Countries are with strong unions are happier and the wealth goes around more instead of being concentrated creating corrupt maniacal individuals

[@shesh2265]

@Frederic Bastiat Wow, what union where and why is that bad I want to get more money for my labor. You arent even bringing examples or evidence you're just repeating some garbage from a billionaire funded ultra libertarian think tank. And dont hit me with some bs anecdote I need to hear a statistic or study from you why unions are actually bad.

[@colleendunseath2596]

My life improved immensely when I was able to join a union: good wages, regular raises, great benefits, good working conditions.

[@woodchuck003]

What do you think happens to the non-union worker. Unions make your life better by controlling the number of workers in your industry, it limits jobs, thus limiting the compensation of others.

[@allanrichardson1468]

woodchuck 00 The fix is not to get rid of unions but to protect union workers from retribution so that all workers can join one.

[@woodchuck003]

@@allanrichardson1468 you have a constitutional right to the freedom of associate, requiring you to join goes against that. And I am not sure how protecting workers from retribution will help them join a union, the workers are being attacked by the union so letting them join is counterintuitive. If you want more people to join ban the unions from donating to political canidates. That is peoples main problem with them. Unions donate more than Soros and the Koch brothers combined. If you are infavor of getting rid of money in politics this should be a no brainier.

[@allanrichardson1468]

woodchuck 00 I was a union member for part of my working life. Unions are not allowed to make any political donations from union treasury funds. Instead, they ask for additional voluntary contributions at union meetings, often via raffles or bake sales, specifically for political purposes. Only those funds are given to political campaigns.

[@woodchuck003]

@@allanrichardson1468 if that is the case, that sounds good. But when the California teamsters we're trying to recruit me, they told me this was not the case. There pitch was quite demeaning to workers as well. "This job demands slot of respect," "union members need you as they aren't as well educated," I would feel insulted to have them representing me. But if you union functions as you say more power to you.

[@joansnow4013]

If not for my union, I would’ve been fired, after my husband past away.

[@DavidAdkins78]

We have 30 million employers to choose from and a million more job openings than people looking for work, thanks to Republican deregulation and tax cuts. Unions protect workers from competition making the employer non competitive.

[@JamieDallas]

Shame on the GOP, shame on 'Murica. If republicans had a moral conscience, we wouldn't need unions. But, since they are greedy capitalists, we need unions to protect us from them. :( #VoteBlueNoMatterWho #Bernie2020 #Democrats2020

[@JamieDallas]

@@DavidAdkins78 Yeah, no. Deregulation allows CEOs and corporations to screw workers AND consumers. Tax cuts = corporate welfare for the most profitable companies on Earth, at the expense of our social safety net. Corporate regulation protects employees AND customers from the inherent evils of capitalism. #GetInformed

[@DavidAdkins78]

@@JamieDallas actually when Carter and Reagan deregulated trucking and airlines prices went down for consumers. Democrats passed Dodd-Frank and the "too big to fail" banks only got bigger. We already have the richest middle class in the history of the world. Don't screw it up with the proven failure of socialism. #GetInformed www.cnbc.com/2018/09/12/median-household-income-climbs-to-new-high-of-61372.html

[@JamieDallas]

No corporation or industry should ever be allowed to self-regulate, period. They will always put profit over people when allowed. And, America is already socialist. It works like this: military, fire, police, ambulance, emergency rooms, public libraries, national weather service, NPR, PBS, sidewalks, interstate highways, bridges, water mains, infrastructure, public parks, public education, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute of Health, social security, Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, VA, etc., etc., et cetera. That's how socialism works. www.dailykos.com/stories/2012/3/29/1078852/-75-Ways-Socialism-Has-Improved-America

[@Bshipbuilder]

My father went to college, his father led a full life but died of black lung, his father lost an arm in the mine, and his father was cut into two pieces in the mine. That's the progress that hard fought unionization brought to our family. More people need to see Robert's videos.

[@b.terenceharwick3222]

"Right to work" = Right to work for as little money as possible...

[@backspace4353]

Right to work in Wisconsin looks as if it is going to be reversed soon, they elected a Democratic Governor.

[@vincentfalsitta5332]

Robert Reich is a thousand percent right. corporations always talks bad about unions .because it dips into there back pockets. thay can't hide as mutch money. from government.

[@FletchforFreedom]

@Vincent Falsitta Robert Reich is an imbecile pretending he understands economics. He has yet to even approach 1% right and is completely wrong on unions (who provide no real benefit), minimum wages (entirely harmful to workers), CEO pay, inequality, and pretty much any topic requiring actual understanding.

[@vincentfalsitta5332]

ever since the Congress introduced this right to work law in New York state I new laboe unions where going to lose power in fighting with big corporations n and small union shops now thay can hire art ti.e workers to put a stop to a living wage.

[@FletchforFreedom]

@@vincentfalsitta5332 Of course on a little planet called Earth, neither unions nor minimum wage laws have ever been responsible for the rise in worker pay (which has continued practically unabated since the very beginning of the Industrial Revolution.

[@kamoogy]

My dad is a union coal miner and I know what that meant for the family. You are correct----I agree with you 100%

[@stevenmitchell1]

@Frederic Bastiat, no it meant that he was able to afford a family, which you obviously oppose. Is there a sickness that underlies the precepts of your dogma?

[@stevenmitchell1]

@Frederic Bastiat, aren't union members supposed to be customers too?

[@jozsefrakoczi1127]

Unions are anti-freedom socialist inventions used to destroy the public order.

[@FletchforFreedom]

@Dennis Young Except, of sources, your "history" is a complete fiction. In the 19th century in the complete absence of labor laws and before the rise of union power (after 1880), real wages *QUADRUPLED* , working conditions improved dramatically, the average work week fell by a third, starvation was effectively eliminated and child labor plummeted from upwards of 100% (agrarian society) to fewer than 1-in-3 boys and 1-in-8 girls (and those were still mostly on family farms). As FB notes, the so-called "Gilded Age" is no longer taken at all seriously and Sinclair was a socialist seeking revolution. "The Jungle" was a work of fiction with no basis whatsoever in reality (as was subsequently demonstrated). Of course no one mentioning "slaves in a discussion of market wages or the disproved "race to the bottom" nonsense can expect to be taken seriously.

[@CripplingDuality]

@@FletchforFreedom [citation needed]

[@ridethecurve55]

It's a known fact (or it should be!) that when workers are treated well by mgmt, those workers treat customers better, in turn. It's a Win-Win, and a no-brainer!

[@daveogarf]

Michael B - Or it SHOULD be a no-brainer... to anyone with half a brain!

[@lisamay5649]

Those workers then find it easier to be more productive. Morale improves, leading to higher productivity.

[@RedHeart64]

In this hellhole of a "Right to Work" state (Florida), I was in shops where they locked the bathrooms and only unlocked them during breaks - and they were usually filthy and not regularly cleaned. I've been in shops where the door between management and the shop was kept locked - only the supervisors had a key - and the shop was neither heated or cooled and beastly hot in the Florida summer (they pitched a fit when I told them there computerized equipment wasn't made to function in that environment - that they needed an air conditioned environment - because "that would be mollycoddling our employees!"). Those same shops - if a 'shop employee' were to go into the front offices for ANY reason, they would be fired - they didn't even want specialists like me to invade their lofty (and cushy) environment. I've been in shops where they not only had an environment like I just described, but also refused to allow any chairs out 'in the shop' "because their employees will want chairs and be more lazy!" (That shop owner went ballistic when I told him that if he didn't provide a chair and table so I could do my work... that he could do without production, as I wouldn't and couldn't work like that). I've been in shops where they openly talked about ways to not hire (n-word)s, and said the most horrific things about other minorities (when they learned I wasn't white like them, I lost between half and 2/3 of my customers IN ONE MONTH - with threats and accusations of "misleading us about your identity!"). This area is sold as business-friendly... and many of the homeless I've talked with tell of how they were lured here with promises of good pay and good treatment, only to be offered minimum wage no benefits (and if they could get away with it - no extra pay for forced overtime) when they arrived. They found they couldn't afford to live here, and when they tried to get better treatment and pay (as promised), were summarily fired. Then they learned just how vicious the central Florida area REALLY is... especially to the poor, minorities, and the 'working class". (They're especially bad about blaming us for the things that THEY DO TO US!) They want the appearance of being modern and 'with it', but hold to the reality of decades ago (if not to before the civil war) and don't want real change. They especially want the aura of piety, without actually caring about others. When I returned to school, I was told up front that I would have a hard time... I have three strikes against me already... over 50, disabilities, and minority. I've been looking for decent employment (that I can handle) for two years now, without luck. I've been told it's because of those three strikes - and because of the disability issues, the only work I can do requires an advanced degree. If I can find employment I can handle, and finish my degree, then maybe I can make enough to move to a more humane area.

[@ridethecurve55]

"Right to Work" (for LESS)! That's more accurately put.

[@FireRupee]

Best of luck to you in your search! I hope things go well.

[@CamiloSantana]

I'm from Florida. I got lucky. I got out. Things are still tough but at least I'm not in that hell hole anymore. If you stay focused, organised and make sure you progress a little everyday, you can't be stopped.

[@tonerduckpin]

This is a good book about Union organizing in Florida: www.simonandschuster.com/books/Playing-Against-the-House/James-D-Walsh/9781982115555

[@RedHeart64]

@@ridethecurve55 That's why I have "right to work" in quotes. Believe it or not, but if you listen to one of the big homeless charities in this state, it also means "right to work while being abused - and you have to take it with a smile!" Their caseworker was literally teaching people to accept whatever abuse that came their way - EVEN PHYSICAL AND (hinted at) SEXUAL, in order to keep a minimum wage no benefits job "In the hopes that something better will come along!" (Quote!) According to the caseworker, homeless people had a bad work ethic and too much pride.

[@Joaoxorubatsu]

This is the example other countries need to look for. Here in my country the unions are under attack. It's sad, but this is the global tendency.

[@nicolasm400]

Where are you from? Stay strong together, there is always power in a band of working folks when they stand hand in hand.

[@rsync9490]

@Frederic Bastiat corporations fuck over everyone.

[@tonerduckpin]

I fix photocopiers for a living. I called up a Union in Washington DC and asked them if anyone has ever had a collective bargaining agreement for copier technicians. They had no knowledge of it and asked me who my employer was. I told them and two weeks later the company president flew into town just to spy on me. I wasn't fired for asking but it sent a message to management. The process for forming a Union is quite complicated. Bernie Sanders sponsored the "Workplace Democracy Act" which would make it easier to form a Union. Best video yet Mr. Reich! Another video detailing the election process for a Union would be great.

[@Kevin-hf1ts]

@Frederic Bastiat Great logic, the employees ARE the customers...

[@alanfriesen9837]

@Frederic Bastiat What the customers like is obviously more important than what the workers need, right?

[@thedigitaldojo6247]

@Frederic Bastiat LOL...troll! Or I hope you are just trolling, if not you're as dumb as shit!

[@thunderpooch]

Company presidents can be such scum, smh

[@mathsiecat]

This is not new. Here in Germany, unions are stronger than the USA, and the middle class exists and is doing all right here.

[@maolruanaidhh9153]

A country can be conservative but still have unions, stupider

[@juliuscaesar5397]

@@maolruanaidhh9153 You used improper grammar. Most stupid of them all.

[@tedmoy]

I support unions as a union steward and I support this channel. I like the way Robert explains it in a way that everyone can understand

[@HunterCihal]

Love the UPS union. Wothout it I think I'd be miserable or I'd be laid off.

[@robl775]

yeah, my republican neighbor loves his UPS union

[@julianbarriga8513]

I worked at UPS, once this guy stopped coming to work smoked a bunch of weed and then he decided to stroll back in. UPS said get lost and then the union got him his job back. One instance sure but I’ll never forget that memory of a union abusing its power. Anyone who tells me their job was saved by a union. It’s hard for me to not ask why it needed to be saved the first place. I worked for private companies and everyone of them has praised my work ethic. I think unions are great for lazy people.

[@isaacmettle]

@@julianbarriga8513 I work at ups. I don’t abuse the job cause I been through some tough time and I appreciate them

[@raymarti3]

Thank you for getting the word out in favor of Unions

[@jessstuart7495]

Unions are good, when they work for the people they represent. Just because you pay union dues, don't expect the union to fight for your interests. They might push back on minor things, but basically roll-over or throw some of their members (employees with less seniority) under the bus when the negotiating gets tough.

[@allanrichardson1468]

Jess Stuart Union leaders are elected. Get active in union elections, and in local, state, and national elections. Run for a union office or support someone who is running.

[@andyandnancy]

FUCK Unions! And their Ponzi schemes they call pensions. Google "Central States Pension Fund" and you will see my point.

[@julianbarriga8513]

Everyone in a Union likes a union. The ones that didn’t left. Why did these ones stay? ... hmm I don’t like my employer, let’s start a union. Funny way of thinking.

[@icemike1]

Funky mfers want union benefits for free

[@troywoods9523]

Live better work union. Solidarity forever!!

[@rodneygratz3239]

Your preaching to the choir.. The historical argument you make is spot on.

[@ExPwner]

No, it isn't. It's full of lies and false data. Wages are up since the 1980s, not down.

[@sabush50]

I love unions!!! I make a living wage now that I have a union backing me on my job. Teamsters ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@alanfriesen9837]

United we bargain, divided we beg. (I can't take credit for that one. I saw it on a bumper sticker attached to a locker door)

[@christianbeccar]

I am a business owner with 80 employees. And unión has worked as a great way to bring us together. We have understanding. They understand my reponsibility to keep their Jobs and future . In return to decent wages and health cate. Its all about principales and not bring greety.

[@silviacaptan1300]

Thank you. Your videos are clear and very well explained. It is a pleasure to watch them.

[@marcmeans9955]

With strong unions there's less need for government over sight from depts like OSHA.

[@antoniocalhau4711]

Marc Beans, OSHA is fundamental they set the standard for all to follow, they make the laws, have you lost your beans!?

[@Leivve]

@@antoniocalhau4711 The point he is making is that if unions are strong, workers will demand conditions that are above what OSHA requires. OSHA is a response to unions losing power, if they gain power OSHA isn't needed as much.

[@JamieDallas]

Not exactly. Unions are WHY we have OSHA. Unions fought for safety in the workplace, which is how we got OSHA.

[@eds6889]

My name is Frederic Bastiat and I need to grow up and treat people with respect.

[@eds6889]

Marc Means ... no mark, Antonio and Leivve are correct.

[@robertvysther1138]

Unions are essential for survival of the middle class and working people.

[@ExPwner]

No, they aren't. This video is full of lies.

[@ExPwner]

@C no, you're wrong. You jut spewed mindless platitudes just like OP. You dipshits bear the burden of proof, not me for rejecting your idiocy. Non-union isn't "shit jobs." The US has mostly non-union jobs and they aren't shit. Wage increases aren't guaranteed ever. You always get paid what you deserve (that's just emotional idiocy on your part). Job security exists without unions too, so that's wrong. Anecdote is not data. Unions just operate as a zero sum mechanism. I don't give a shit about your feelings. That isn't economics nor is it an argument for anything. Spewing your feelings isn't proof of anything. There's a ton of future without a union. The US has not been above 1/3 union in its entire history, and yet we've done just fine without them. Literally the only reason to spew such bullshit is when you have nothing more than anecdote and emotion. None of your nonsense was based on actual data. I don't lack brain cells, dumbass, I use data.

[@skdesign98]

Solidarity forever!! Unions allow workers a strong voice, fairness in the workplace and are necessary for the survival of the middle class!!

[@artysanmobile]

It is no coincidence that the failure of unions coincides perfectly with the mass accumulation of wealth in the coffers of large corporations. Ditto for wage stagnation, extreme inequality of wealth and other signature indications of national fiscal failure. Unions are the only hope for most industrial workers to level a playing field that is wildly tilted to their detriment.

[@Lucas-dw4ws]

This is what needed from union leadership to spread more on all media platforms. More videos like this. GREAT VIDEO. Short simple color animation very well done. More please.

[@Caperhere]

Why would only 62% want unions? They protect you, they bargain with management to increase wages, increase vacation time, improve and index pensions, they handle grievances, they do everything for workers. And unions support unions. Yours goes on strike, other ones often strike with you.

[@bslygh]

Corporations have been pushing there antiunion propaganda for decades. Many places when you are hired in show an educational video about the evils of unions. Schools don't teach anything about the history of unions, and the rights we currently have because of them. If anything im amazed it's as high as 62percent.

[@michaelweaver2627]

Unions went a bit too far at times in the 60s and some of them were corrupt. That has been used by management ever since to tell everyone they are better off without unions taking their money for dues and forcing poor business owners to ship jobs out of the country due to the unions high labor costs. It's amazing how many people in working class areas still hate unions and blame them for the downfall of American manufacturing.

[@Caperhere]

Bryan Singer wow, thanks. That’s too bad.

[@Caperhere]

Michael Weaver Thank you. Aren’t police, and all first responders unionized?

[@michaelweaver2627]

@@Caperhere Yes, at least some police are unionized, not sure about first responders. I was speaking more about the biggest unions like the teamsters and autoworkers. Those were very powerful unions but have been under attack for a long time and are less powerful then they used to be. They were both considered too demanding by management in the 60s and at least the teamsters had organised crime ties. I hope unions become more powerful again because they raise the standard for everyone but, they can be abusive and become self serving like any powerful organization.

[@tinahaynes696]

I’m the alternate chair of my local and I understand the value. Thanks for helping to educate citizens.

[@piedon1051]

I know that there are some people who say unions are useless and corrupt. Too some extent they are right. Some do protect the lazy at the expense of the company. Some get carried away with grievances that are almost child like. Some do have corrupt greedy people running them, but show me an organization that doesn't (not that it makes it ok, just that you can't single unions out because of it). In the end, the benefits of a union far, far outweigh the negatives. The idea that companies can not afford it, is for the most part, BS. I have worked both sides of the fence. I was once 'anti union'. I also have seen why people have a bad taste for unions and also the many benefits (other than just pay and medical benefits) In the end, if we really want to MAGA, unions need to become strong again.

[@lisamay5649]

Pie Don I'm glad you changed your mind about the importance of unions!

[@_ninthRing_]

I'd be curious to know: how corrupt or incompetent are union leaderships in reality? How many of the stories about the evils of unions are blown out of proportion, inaccurate, or completely false? Are there any objective, scientific studies about the levels of malfeasance in union leaderships? The benefits of unions - both to the individual & to society as a whole - are easily & acccurately demonstrated. Information about the negatives of joining a union though, has suffered from years of bias, propaganda & deliberate fabrications from vested interests. In the United States, this is especially true of the (well paid by corporations) members of Congress (mostly Republicans, but some Democrats, too), as well as Conservative Media outlets.

[@piedon1051]

@Frederic Bastiat Well, name calling only shows you ignorance . There is actually more to that number, but I am assuming you already know that right. There overall profit is actually more, but keep drinking the Kool Aid.

[@guancholi2441]

MUGA!

[@markanthony3275]

Our union executives sold us all out so THEY could retain their positions.

[@HaloDaycare]

Joining a union changed my life forever in the best of ways!

[@jediblackbelt2443]

What should employees who work in retail for large chains do to create unions, when their employers have gone as far as shutting down stores under "unrelated conditions" to prevent unions from forming?

[@user-sf5iq2fl1l]

How can a worker be against a union, when a union is basically workers gathering together to demand better conditions?

[@JonaeNPotterGill]

Thank you for this! This past January I got my first unionized job and today I will be participating in the vote to ratify a new contract. As a social worker, I am grateful for the opportunity to engage in advocacy which is at the heart of the profession. After watching this, I feel even more confident that I made the right decision to join!

[@disclaimer05]

Every bank I’ve ever worked for made me sign an agreement that I would not start a union or else I would be terminated. That was before getting an offer letter. We really needed them. My teller supervisor had worked for the bank for 5 years and was making the equivalency of $12 an hour (she started at $10), which is about what a cashier at Target would make.

[@kkakacek]

Thanks for posting this!

[@IamPaulBrown]

Employment should be a simple private agreement between one individual willing to put in an honest day's work and one legal department of a multinational corporation. ;-)

[@SLEPhoto]

I see what you did there.

[@kevinconrad6156]

Proud SEIU 1000 member. Go Unions.

[@dpfitforlife81]

Two of the jobs in my life had Unions. Neither of them did so much as a lift a finger to help me out. The first one said they would call me back in 2 to 3 weeks to give me an update on the situation. So I waited a little over 1 month and called them. All they told me was I guess nothing can be done. The other job I had with a union said there is nothing we can do and that was the end of them helping me. The Unions do help some in getting better wages but most Union jobs are in states with policies that put heavy taxation policies on the middle class such as New York. Unions collect dues and than they placate to the man.

[@lesliewhite4373]

Shared on Facebook! Good video!

[@sim33009]

Teachers have a union down her in FL. It is not strong for the teachers as it should be. Our former gov Scott moved the pension fund from where it was to a crony of his. A strong union would not have permitted that.

[@MrArtist7777]

Thank you, Robert! I was always taught that unions are bad as they'll drive up wages too high for corps. to afford and will be forced overseas or out of business, losing American jobs. I'm coming around to the facts that unions are good for workers but would like to see a follow up video showing if unions force outsourcing or elimination of jobs.

[@fnln544]

Thank you for the information. And your past service to our country. Plus, you're not a bad artist!

[@daveogarf]

K A - Come for the message, stay for the cartoons!

[@pdias8469]

Thank you Robert Reich for your wisdom about unions. I believe unions are very important. I’ve witnessed how the corporations have managed to weaken the unions and eventually loose so many jobs. Very heartbreaking.

[@ExPwner]

It's not wisdom at all. He's full of lies as I pointed out in my comment.

[@martingo2680]

I'm a truck driver for a union and I'm making $11-14 an hour more than other truck drivers doing the same job. I'm young and I still don't understand why young people like me can't see how beneficial unions are.

[@leelindsay5618]

Most young people are in corporate/franchise jobs that start off with anti-union propaganda videos. They are illegal, but most highschool students haven't a clue yet. Since there is no class on citizen rights, its easy to take advantage of young people. Until they find out they have rights at work, mgrs can and will bully them.

[@Kim-lc3fv]

I am an American living in Denmark and since I moved here, almost 18 years ago, to take a job as an associate professor, I joined a union right away and now, as a full professor, I am still a union member. I believe that Denmark has one of the highest rates of union membership among the employed in the world (?)...I didn't have to join, but soon realized that almost everyone at the university belonged to one union or the other. I did it out of solidarity, but also because the unions are the bodies that manage unemployment benefits in DK, so to be on the safe side, I joined for that reason, too. Finally, I have used the union's services to help me negotiate pay rises as well as a very attractive transition plan to retirement. I think most Danes agree on the benefits and advantages of unions.

[@robinr99]

Thanks for this. I'm a member of Broward Teachers Union in Florida. Go Union!

[@semirrahge]

My Teamster grandfather told me before he died: "A right to work state is a right to starve state."

[@samuelrivera7277]

Thank you for the video

[@lastbat]

I'm not in a union because I work for a company owned and run by someone who properly values labor and treats everyone like adults. This is just his way. I have worked for companies in the past that treated people pretty well out of fear of unionization. I have also worked for places that sorely needed a union because of employer abuses. I have always recommend joining a union if possible. Even when I worked as a manager/supervisor and in HR I was pro-union.

[@lesfield7504]

This is what people need to hear. Before it's to late. 👍

[@1957eberhart]

35 years in the Carpenters union Seattle Washington, retired at age 55 . support unions and buy american.

[@slimboyfat9409]

For many years I have heard of people being happy to be non-unionised,these people mostly were in the emerging industries of computer science and the internet. When ,as time goes by,these industries have more and more entrées some of these people may come to regret their naivety. In Europe look at the example of Ryanair pilots who eventually forced the company to the bargaining table.

[@mirrorgarrett]

I tried to start a union for seasonal workers at a municipality I worked for. Lay-off happened last winter. I applied this spring as usual. Haven’t heard from them yet. Despite there being a union already for full time employees. Am I stupid for having tried that? I wasn’t taken very seriously even though I was literally one person away from it being formed. Are there protections in place? I just want my job back.

[@kuriosites]

When I see union dues on my paystub, I think, "money well spent." California Nurses Association.😁

[@patroscher6240]

kuriosites You should be grateful because a lot of nursing does not have that type of protection or even retirement. Unions do help keep wages up for everyone.

[@kuriosites]

@@patroscher6240 I am. The union was a major selling point for my job. We have a lot of contract nurses from out of state and I've heard about far worse conditions (& our union is constantly fighting to force the hospital to honor their agreement).

[@patroscher6240]

kuriosites My wife has been a nurse for over 30 years and at times had very few benefits and for such a noble career it is a shame. Keep up the good work nurses truly do make a big difference.

[@bernardogalvan3305]

In Port Arthur Texas, Contractors Give Bonuses to The Super Intendents and to the Supervisora, But The Wage of The Journeymen Indulator has bien the sale for more than 7 years

[@modemmark421]

Yes! I Love Unions.

[@cliffh8486]

Right to work should be called what it really is. Right to fire.

[@jpducati916]

Thank you Mr Reich.

[@josephcharbonneau8740]

thank you robbert for all you do! im hoping marty walsh is as good as you were as labor secretary! i think he will be but i think we need both of you to keep fighting for us! thank you for all youve done and will do!

[@robertkenyon8283]

What can people in Right to Work states do to unionize? Do we need to change the laws first?

[@woodchuck003]

Right to work doesn't ban unions. If you want to join a union you have the right too.

[@chaist94]

All right to work laws do is make joining a union optional. in other states to work for some companies joining the union is mandatory. thats all.

[@kennethmcneil3478]

@Frederic Bastiat LMFAO. You mean the high tax union states that your beloved right to work red states leech off of?

[@andromedagalaxynebula5751]

@Frederic Bastiat I think people support unions in the private sector but it doesn't make sense in the public sector government jobs.

[@andromedagalaxynebula5751]

@Frederic Bastiat Idk what to tell you. Corporations will do anything to pay workers less but everyone says it's evil unions and brown people taking jobs.

[@garysandiego]

If my dad wasn't a union house painter, I'd never have been able to go to college and law school. So glad my dad wasn't one of those deluded souls who thought unions were no good.

[@theodoreroberts3407]

I see what you're saying and I use to agree. Now I'm not sure. I was a member of IBEW 1377 back in the 70's. They took my dues, but did nothing for me then or over the years. I went into other fields to keep working. Recently, I was told I would be excepted back if I pay all past union dues. Why should I pay 26 times $8.00 over a period of 30 years when they forgot about me. I would entertain starting new and knowing they will not do much for me in the future. Not even an inquiry as to my wellbeing. I'm now getting job offers again (like crazy good), and I know I'll have more protection under a union (to have continuous work) than not being in one, but I don't expect much for my dues this time.

[@Eligus33]

I'm AFGE union member in right to work state and it's an uphill battle

[@gregw.9834]

Thank you your the best "Union" video I've see so far! Yes, and may I add, no one is advertising unions for all employment, or individual choices, and how that can change the exploitation of employees at work. Also, there are no topics for the middle classes to vote for (Unions) at the voting poles? Whats happening, and what they want is to exploit their workers!

[@Renegade_Melungeon]

I wish that hvac had unions, we can however sometimes get in with the steam fitters or plumbers, but I believe it isn't enough. I have been on the large construction sites and have seen the abuse of the large companies.

[@johnkretzschmar6479]

In addition to those two, in Nebraska SMART also represents hvac employees at some organized shops.

[@kathryncooper4001]

I live in a "right-to-work" state -- balderdash! The difference between the rich and the poor is only growing, and there is no such thing as job security. The rich and powerful have unlimited control over the working class. Mostly I make whatever I want, but when I do buy, it almost always comes from a local thrift store. There is practically nothing on the market that's made in America, and I certainly cannot find the International Ladies Garment Workers Union label on anything anymore. I no longer want bloated Corporate America to get my dollars, so I buy almost everything in support of local charities. Salvation Army, Potter's House, Goodwill, and a local hospital's upscale thrift shop.

[@mk1st]

Balance in all things....especially in the economy.

[@nathanhowell9548]

I live in Wyoming. The Right to Work (for Less) is in the state constitution. I am working to find a way to Unionize the retail workers and put pressure on the State to repeal this law. Any advice?

[@v.leewalker8640]

Unions balance the power!! A must!

[@sfbuck415]

it seems like subverting unions would be easy for big business- just offer the leadership more money than they can say no to. can we be sure that isn't already happening?

[@corneliusx1811]

So many Americans I have met don't like unions when they are the very people who would benefit from one. I agree with your video you just need to get others on board.

[@nyteshayde1197]

Fourth generation union worker and proud of it.

[@lightbox617]

You are completely correct. This cannot happen unless organizers are protected. Organizers get fired or beaten. Unless there are enforced rules protecting organizers and unions, it can't happen. Pitch forks and torches?

[@henryrudolph1952]

Hi from New Zealand, It was 1984 President Reagan introduced neoliberalism or market driven economy to the US. Margaret Thatcher was England Prime Minister she would do away with unions. Thus she got the nickname the 'IRON LADY'. England went backwards fast then a ship sinking. The worker lost their rights to equality and fair wage. Neoliberalism would eventually put all the power into corporates, deregulation kick in, Privatization took over, as the idea of a co op or state owned was gone burger. Really, It was the start of the end of middle class America as the rich get richer, middle class got poorer, and the poor were just in a bad way. The cost of living kept going up, whilst income earnt stagnated 30 years in NZ. NZ politicians did not hesitate to increase their wages to accounter inflation. The self-righteous, corrupt greed of corporations kick-in. NZ had its share of the later. NZ followed America and England. Today, NZ is only just coming right, UNIONS VERY IMPORTANT VOICE FOR THE LITTLE PEOPLE, THE WORKER, THE BACKBONE OF ANY COUNTRIES ECONOMY !!!! Especially with market driven economies. Incidentally, white extremist, market driven economies rely heavily on population growth (multiculturalism). Can write a book on how neoliberalism affected NZ. GOT TO LOVE ROBERT REICH!!! MAKES SENSE!!!!! QUESTION: Is it be safe to say, Neoliberalism managed honestly and with unions works??????????

[@Tommy_Mac]

I agree with the info in the video. Only issue I know of is that Unions by me have the reputation of being crooked as hell. I don't see another way though.

[@tinyb4165]

Union corruption happens when it's leadership is not being held responsible by it's members. When the workers become happy and content with their current situation, they tend to not be involved in their Unions direction. Vigilance through active participation is the only way to stop a union from becoming corrupt.

[@Hermes_Agoraeus]

...so, like a democracy, then. Thanks! @@tinyb4165

[@Phoenix-rw3nh]

+ tiny b Sometimes you can't do anything , unless you want to lose job . Company I worked for bribed union leaders to the top . We couldn't do a damn thing .

[@tinyb4165]

@@Phoenix-rw3nh There are whistle blower laws to protect you. There's also The Department of Labor, that's supposed to be there for your protection. As long as you have evidence of such corruption, your job should be legally protected. And if you are fired for doing that, you then have the right to sue your union for failure to dutifully represent it's members. But I would tell you, it's just easier to cut your losses, and find new employment, as it would be much easier to just move on with your life. Of course doing that, will just help reinforce the companies power over the union. Keep in mind, that many people gave their lives for a person's right to join a union. Isn't it every members responsibility to make their sacrifices seem like they weren't done in vain?

[@tinyb4165]

@@Hermes_Agoraeus Except that most Unions are closer to a Republic. While local elections for officer's are done in a democratic way, National candidates are elected by delegates, elected through local elections, but they don't have to vote their locals interests. That's how the same faction of Party/Slate, has run The UAW for close to 50 years, now. You can think of those delegates as The Electoral College, for comparisons sake.

[@ryanmccracken7247]

IBEW Journeyman Electrician & dues paying IWW member too. This video is spot on. Agitate. Educate. Organize. #SolidarityForever

[@suzannelaforce6988]

In the nursing home where I worked the employees had the choice of joining the union or not. Those who didn't join the union were offered dental insurance. Those who joined the union weren't. The local newspaper came to interview the nursing home on the grounds of unfairness, but nothing came of it.

[@CrapE_DM]

I've seen too many instances of unions going way too far. Either demanding more than the companies can do, giving lazy workers protections they shouldn't have, or even being a burden on the workers. Not to mention the amount of money they shell out to politicians. IMO, unions should form to deal with specific grievances then disband.

[@esp1lok1]

Great!

[@amitrajput8299]

You the man Robert

[@iford992]

I want more balance, but well remember the corruption of union leaders back in the day. Also worked with a lot of union nurses 20 years ago and swore I’d never work at a unionized hospital again! Institutional laziness was the rule, supported by unions.

[@nebinebi123]

The graph at 1:36 is misleading. The differences in the percents in the y axis are not remotely similar.

[@buddcarcook4655]

Love my union 💪🏻

[@kelskenyo2980]

For 20 years I worked for union grocery stores. I think maybe my top pay was 13 something an hour. When I got my pension it is about $650.00 a month FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE! Not a super huge amount, but free money I earned because I was in a union and didn't quit. My husband is also in a union. When he retires he will get over $1500.00 a month, not including his 401K and social security. Our social security comes to about 3000.00 a month. We may not have a ton of money saved in the bank, but at least I know when he retires, our joint income will be over $5000.00 a month! If you have the opportunity to ever get a union job, don't give up until you get it! It gives you such peace of mind about the stress of everyday living, plus peace about the future.

[@cliffh8486]

Great video. Unfortunately somehow people are convinced that as a poor worker they are "a part of" the corporation. being sold that somehow lower wages and shit insurance is good for them so they can add more cash to their 401k. As a railroad employee this is great!! Educate yourself America!!! Unions are good for everyone!

[@mahirrahman7]

How can we ensure that most big corporations and especially restaurant franchises like Starbucks, McDonald's, Popeyes, Chipotle encourage union membership? Is it possible to also unionize workers working for Big Tech?

[@stephenakastephen5117]

I work for one of the largest retailers who, of course, will do anything to squash anything that looks like an attempt at unionization. Also, I live in a so-called “right to work” state. I would be in favor of creating a union but I would be afraid of my employer making up some kind of seemingly unconnected reason for which to fire me or anyone trying to unionize. I can’t afford to be jobless.

[@knh5954]

Worked blue big box lumber, they would not keep staff. Working forklift 9 hrs after 9 hrs, not regular, but back and forth driving, because other work not done because of no staff. They would not work with me on schedule when I could hardly put my vest on. Put in two weeks, and I actually loved that busy, dirty, hard job. Right after came down with double shoulder impingement, and I was in excellent shape before. Va. does not cover repetitive injuries, unless hearing or carpel. With successive and concurrent injuries, I have been bed/chair bound for almost two years. I have my parents pick up food for me and I have to live off my savings to pay low rent /food, which are almost gone, 17k everything I had. Luckily , my sciatica from ruptured disc is healing and I can walk again for a short period. I qualified for nothing and medicaid will not change anything. I will get a 28 yr old cherokee running again and be so happy to go to any job doing anything. They have found a million ways, you can not even think ahead for, to screw the American worker over. I do not think about whether I will be able to retire on time, but I will never work another physical job in the state of Va. Nor I am proud to be from here, now that I have to start over at my age, 52 with nothing. I had no debt, no loans, did not go out, and still ended up loosing everything for working my job as hard as I could. I was employee of the month. I received sales rewards and who cares, what good did that do me. So called American dream, my ass.

[@tg7048]

What about family businesses. How does that work? Businesses that aren’t corporate owned?

[@jchanning72]

The issue which needs to be addressed is an imbalance in power between employee and employer. Unions are one, but not the only solution. This is an important point, you need to ask why corporations are incentivized to abuse employees, take away or change those incentives and there is no need for unions.

[@RenegadeMercury]

I would love to join a union, but the way my delivery job is structured, I'm legally an independent contractor and don't have the necessary protections to allow me to.

[@michelleburkholder2547]

Unions need to be stronger. People don't want to pay dues for crappy pay and benefits. I get a monthly pension from the Carpenters for the rest of my life. I believe in unions but they must be worth it.

[@thomasdobroth]

Unionized Nurses in California earn 80 to 110 per hour. Kaiser Permanente makes over a Billion a quarter. Right-to-work state nurses earn as low as $22/hour. A year ago I had open heart surgery and most of the nurses attending me were from other states that flew in to get the higher wage. The hospitals in those states make plenty of money. Those states even have a nurse shortage.

[@fsoileau]

I am 62 a Building Contractor and grew up in the union's demise. I have never been in a union but have a very strong flavor for Unions. I have seen the decline of the middle class as unions declined. I also remember when being a grocery store cashier was a well-paid job with retirement plans and full medical plans and opportunities. When supermarket employees went on strike Teamsters would unload as far away from the strike line as to support the union. The managers would have to pack and carry supplies to the stores. That is when unions supported unions. Basically do not cross a strike line no matter what union you were in, In a union shop somewhere else. And it worked. Simple people support people. OR would you rather work at Walmart? My son is in a Heavy Equipment Operator (Operating Engineer) Union, makes excellent money with a real retirement plan, not 401K crap, and full medical, and bought a house at 26yrs old in LA Area. I support Unions tag your local if you agree.

[@EnriqueRodriguez-mz6fw]

how can I start a union?

[@brianleabo6295]

I'm in a uion at work because it was offered and I watched what it done for my father in his retirement. So I live in Arizona and their right to work . Is their anything special I need to know ?

[@gus2747]

I'm a software developer. Corporations are a hugr problem to me, but they don't monitor my breaks, make me punch a timeclock etc. One problem is that marketing screws up the design process by making it linear and top-down. Another problem is anti-globalism. I can't see unions helping in either case.

[@zachjones6944]

How will Unions compete with globalization and automation?

[@LouisR79]

I'm a proud remember of I.A.T.S.E union in Los Angeles

[@relentlessmadman]

Ronald Regan broke the Air trafic controlers union!n and business declared open season on unions and that's when wages hit the skids!