Hollywoodz
TB Veteran
- Credits
- 74
NOT JUST MY OPINION. THIS IS FROM THE GUARDIAN.
Pay particular attention to the bold paragraph as a huge consideration when companies try to increase profit. Another way unions can help companies become more profitable.
For workers, the value of joining a trade union is obvious. Union members tend to earn more than non-unionized employees for the same sort of work. They’re more likely to have secure contracts, sick pay and other benefits. Union reps make sure bosses don’t cut corners on health and safety, which is why there are up to 50% fewer accidents in unionized workplaces.
From the perspective of the employer, things are a bit more ambiguous. Collective bargaining increases the power of workers, allowing them to make demands that management might otherwise be unwilling to meet. It’s not surprising, then, that companies often fight tooth and nail to avoid recognizing a union in their workplace. I recently heard about a factory in the US that displayed baby formula and nappies – worth the equivalent of a year’s union dues – to deter employees from signing up. Though unionising would probably increase workers’ income in the long run, committing to the initial outlay is difficult when you’re barely earning enough to get by.
Arguing that trade unions help their members isn’t going to win everyone round, especially if they work somewhere without union representation. Because of the power of collective bargaining, wages and terms of employment tend to be better in public sector jobs. Instead of seeing this as evidence that more private sector work forces should unionize, organizations like the Tax Payers’ Alliance want to encourage jealousy and resentment.
The thing is, trade unions don’t only benefit workers. Unionization also has some knock-on advantages for employers, which serve to undermine the Tax Payers’ Alliance claims. That £15m was allegedly calculated by adding up the paid working hours that union reps spend on union duties. This includes things like representing workers in disciplinary and grievance cases, improving health and safety protections, and providing training opportunities.
Far from being a waste, these activities save taxpayers money in the long run. Research undertaken on behalf of the Trades Union Congress found that, in the public sector, there are 8,000-16,000 fewer dismissals every year thanks to union reps. Unionized workers are also significantly less likely to quit, as they have a mechanism to sort out any problems. Recruiting and training new employees is expensive, and it’s estimated that £27m-£54m of public money is saved by reducing staff turnover. Union health and safety reps help save money too: fewer injuries mean less time off, and fewer compensation payments.
Instead of fighting their staff every step of the way, union-busting private sector employers should follow the lead of the public sector and recognize that trade unions have advantages for everyone. As a taxpayer, I’m happy to know my contributions are being spent sensibly on workers who are happy and protected. Beyond the attention-grabbing figures, all the Tax Payers’ Alliance is advocating is a race to the bottom.
Pay particular attention to the bold paragraph as a huge consideration when companies try to increase profit. Another way unions can help companies become more profitable.
For workers, the value of joining a trade union is obvious. Union members tend to earn more than non-unionized employees for the same sort of work. They’re more likely to have secure contracts, sick pay and other benefits. Union reps make sure bosses don’t cut corners on health and safety, which is why there are up to 50% fewer accidents in unionized workplaces.
From the perspective of the employer, things are a bit more ambiguous. Collective bargaining increases the power of workers, allowing them to make demands that management might otherwise be unwilling to meet. It’s not surprising, then, that companies often fight tooth and nail to avoid recognizing a union in their workplace. I recently heard about a factory in the US that displayed baby formula and nappies – worth the equivalent of a year’s union dues – to deter employees from signing up. Though unionising would probably increase workers’ income in the long run, committing to the initial outlay is difficult when you’re barely earning enough to get by.
Arguing that trade unions help their members isn’t going to win everyone round, especially if they work somewhere without union representation. Because of the power of collective bargaining, wages and terms of employment tend to be better in public sector jobs. Instead of seeing this as evidence that more private sector work forces should unionize, organizations like the Tax Payers’ Alliance want to encourage jealousy and resentment.
The thing is, trade unions don’t only benefit workers. Unionization also has some knock-on advantages for employers, which serve to undermine the Tax Payers’ Alliance claims. That £15m was allegedly calculated by adding up the paid working hours that union reps spend on union duties. This includes things like representing workers in disciplinary and grievance cases, improving health and safety protections, and providing training opportunities.
Far from being a waste, these activities save taxpayers money in the long run. Research undertaken on behalf of the Trades Union Congress found that, in the public sector, there are 8,000-16,000 fewer dismissals every year thanks to union reps. Unionized workers are also significantly less likely to quit, as they have a mechanism to sort out any problems. Recruiting and training new employees is expensive, and it’s estimated that £27m-£54m of public money is saved by reducing staff turnover. Union health and safety reps help save money too: fewer injuries mean less time off, and fewer compensation payments.
Instead of fighting their staff every step of the way, union-busting private sector employers should follow the lead of the public sector and recognize that trade unions have advantages for everyone. As a taxpayer, I’m happy to know my contributions are being spent sensibly on workers who are happy and protected. Beyond the attention-grabbing figures, all the Tax Payers’ Alliance is advocating is a race to the bottom.