Jorj, Are they your friends too? No! But, I would call them acquaintances. Yes, I have known some of union leaders within the Teamster, Pipefitters, Labor's, UMW, Electrical Workers, SIEU, NEA, Fraternal Order of Police, State Unions, Federal Unions, American Bar Association, Small Business Unions, State Troopers Associations, Political Action Committees, etc.
I define a union as a collective group of individuals working toward common causes. Usually, they form when issues arise which can impact their welfare. Probably, you even belong with an organization which I would define as a union. Some unions use different tactics to accomplish their objectives. Some use financial resources to buy solutions to their problem, some use rational discussions, some intimidate others verbally, some intimidate by symbolic means, other use psychological means to threaten, and some use physical means to threaten.
Which organized union to you belong? What method of influence do you use to accomplish your objectives? However, if you are trying to influence others the individual must perceive you having the power to deliver on your message. Some use the courts as a source for influence, others use the masses of people, others get the opposition to over react in front of the media and then try and show how corrupt the group is.
The end result is what justifies the means. |
