Are unions a legalized protection racket ?

[poddster]

Vote and then express your thoughts on the matter.

Perhaps you might like to let everyone know how YOU think unions work.

[azureline**]

I know how they should work and having belonged to one, it worked for the good of the members, negotiated fair wages and conditions.

[the_great_she_elephant]

They are the reason we don't have Asian style sweatshops in Australia.

[poddster]

Are there any staunch union supporters among the ranks here who are willing to sing the praises of unions?

Please do not be shy and enlighten us all

[debra9275]

I was a member of the theatrical union once, it worked for the benefit of it's members at the time

[poddster]

I was a member of the theatrical union once, it worked for the benefit of it's members at the time

And does it now?

[debra9275]

I can't answer that because  I'm no longer a member. I take it you've never been a member of any union poddy?

[lakeland27]

what would you choose ? Union negotiated rates of pay or gina rineharts $2 dollars a day 😛

[katydidthat]

Unions, lawyers, police  ... all fair game for criticism UNTIL YOU NEED THEM.  

I worked as an organiser for a union.  I can't remember how many people rang up and said "I'm not a member, but I'm in big trouble, can you help me?".  I never had one of them resign afterwards, either.  

I never met a non-member who wanted to refuse a pay rise that was negotiated by a union.

I never met a non-member who wanted to complain about improvements to health and safety issues negotiated by a union.  

Sure, there are problems with some unions ... just like there are with some big corporations ... have we all heard about phone hacking and News Limited?  

[freakiness]

Of course they're not.

Protection rackets not legal.