The Legacy
A long time ago trade unions
contributed to better working conditions and, in the past, many members of
trade unions have suffered violence and death. However, since then trade unions
have long outlived their purpose in the Western world. But even during the
early days of industrialization, there were business owners who recognized that
it is better for their business and their employees when employees receive decent
pay and enjoy decent working conditions.
The Aberration
Trade unions for decades are
not much more than a legalized extortion racket and a powerful special interest
group trying to forcefully obtain privileges and perks for their members to the
disadvantage of others and have others pay for it. Many businesses have been
ruined by trade unions. Many businesses were not even established to avoid
trade unions.
Trade union history especially
in the US is littered with corruption, other criminal acts, and infiltration by
organized crime. Trade unions have intimidated and beaten up workers who
disagreed.
Trade unions seek and receive
protection from legislatures and government at all levels. Governments on
different levels protect and subsidize trade unions in many forms in exchange
for votes. Trade unions in collaboration with companies in certain industries
fight vigorously against free trade to the detriment of domestic consumers and
workers and their families in other countries.
Just look at some of the ridiculous work rules or
dismissal rules negotiated by trade unions. Some work rules are so rigid and
narrowly defined that they are simply insane.
The Solution
Trade unions should be
stripped of all and any special privileges they enjoy under existing laws.
Trade unions should be required like any other association to operate under the
principles of freedom of association and voluntary membership etc. in
accordance with the constitution and individual freedom. No employer should be
required to negotiate with any trade union unless he voluntarily and without
coercion chooses to do so.
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