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

[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.