I know what you mean, I now work for a union shop and the difference in general work environment quality is night and day. I think that employers forget that a union contract can benefit both sides. With the current economy and the temptation to cut overhead costs by constantly shifting benefit guidelines and workplace standards union representation seems the only choice left when it comes down to putting food on the table for a blue collar guy.

I watched our outfit go from free health care and paid travel, change to paid health care and unpaid travel time. And that was the tip of the iceberg; our 401k plan changed to our employer only wanted to deposit their match once a year witch turned your 401k into a glorified tax free saving account.( wait.....my saving account interest made more for me on average!) And don't forget the GPS units!!! They they were for dispatching efficiency, yeah right, six months later several guys were fired some for less than a quarter hour dispute. IMHO that was a tool to weed out the people who did their job well but management had a personal vendetta to remove the employee instead of using there fine management skills to better direct ones talent in a more productive manner. This is what happens when you have no union or a weak union.



"If one demands respect he should be responsible enough to give respect in return. To abuse this rule will only lead to a resentful relationship."