The Value Of Labor Unions

There is strength in numbers, and the right to workers has been received a blow from the Supreme Court.  In a 5-4 decision, the court ruled that workers may not band together to challenge violations of federal labor laws.  This will ensure that owners maintain control over their workers.  No longer will a group of employees who challenge their employer, be able to band together present a class action suit.  Individual employers will have to fight their grievances individually.  Of course this will not be possible for individuals, because of the attorney costs involved.  If an employer is fighting for overtime pay that they did not receive, they will do it alone.

Unions have done so  much to protect workers.  Collective bargaining for wages, vacation pay, health insurance, working conditions and much more, has led to our nation having high standards for companies represented by a union.  With the new court decision, things may change.  At some companies, employers sign agreements not participate in any class action suit.  This is now the law.  Big business has won, and workers no longer have the bargaining power they once had.

If you think union dues are a waste of money, that the heads of the unions make too much (they probably do), think about what unions HAVE done for workers.  Here's a list.  I fear some of the advances we have made in work conditions and equality, may be in jeopardy.