Labor, Schmabor

[desh]

You know, I try to get behind the concept of union politics as strongly as Ruby K and Josh do. And I really admire them for all the work they do. But then something like this happens.

The story is that a plumbers' union in Philly was protesting over the plan to install waterless urinals (still not quite sure how that works) in a new skyscraper in Philadelphia. They were upset about the loss of union work that would result from this decision. So what compromise was reached? The waterless urinals would still be installed, but water pipes would be run to them anyway.

Someone, anyone, please explain to me how the unions are in the right here, or how this solution makes sense at all? I'm just not getting it.

Comments

[jdcohen.livejournal.com]

I think the idea is that if the waterless urinals, for whatever reason, need to be replaced with, uh, watered ones, the plumbing to do so is already there. No need to rip out walls to change the types of urinals in the bathrooms. However, it is a definite example of certain municipalities in which the unions hold a disproportionate amount of power over industry. Now quit yer whinin', hippie.

--Jeff

[desh]

Yeah, I mean, I know that's the point, but I don't get the impression from the reading I've done that these urinals are brand-new, unknown, or "beta" technology. They're expected to work fine. And if that's the case, what do you need backup technology for?

[jdcohen.livejournal.com]

In case the waterless urinals are too expensive to maintain, duh. Boy am I glad you're not a building manager.

--Jeff

[(Anonymous)]

Unions are just trying to ensure work for their members. this ensures they have a job whether or not the pipes are necessary.

[desh]

Yes, but it seems like a waste of money from the perspective of everyone but the union and its members. And since this building is getting tons of tax abatements, it's very much my business.

Who are you?

[ladypeaches.livejournal.com]

suprise...that post about unions job description being maintaining jobs even when the jobs are not completely necessary, was mine

[desh]

Ah, okay.

[dorchadas]

Unions are a necessary component of society--it is no accident that, as the influence of unions in America has declined since the 70's, so have real wages.

...on the other hand, that doesn't mean they're immune to the "People are stupid" truism.

[jdcohen.livejournal.com]

I think unions are most susceptible to that truism, as well as opportunism, greed, and corruption. It would explain why they'd insist on extraneous labor contracts now as opposed to real advances, such as hitching wages to inflation rates. I'm of a mind that most unions in this country need to realize that they are VERY well off compared to the rest of the world (hence low union enrollment) and start fighting for what really matters - fairness in labor practice. There's more to life than money.

...ya damn hippies.

--Jeff

[t3chnomag3.livejournal.com]

Except that it is believed that spreading the good word of the union is fighting for fairness in labor practice:

1. The union has rules governing the payment and general treatment of its members by employers
2. The more people join the union, the more employers will, as a result, have to follow the rules of the union

Therefore: recruitment of union members fights for fairness in labor practice.

[fweebles.livejournal.com]

And this is one of the many reasons I'm anti-union. :)

[t3chnomag3.livejournal.com]

You're trying to use logic to explain a situation that is better explained by what G'Kar might call "enlightened self-interest." The unions are advocating for themselves, because in the end, the only person you can genuinely expect to advocate for you, is you. That's the simplest explanation I can give you.

[desh]

I don't know if the PR created by a deal like this is in the unions' best interest.

[t3chnomag3.livejournal.com]

In this town, PR doesn't seem to matter. Those who dislike the union will always dislike the union, and anything the union does will be spun to appear to be negative. People who support the union will continue to support the union even if they do the occasional stupid stuff. There just aren't a lot of you "on the fence" people here.