<<Unions are the one institution more responsible than any other for creating the phenomenally large middle class that America is so proud of. >>
Ray - I must add the following. First I must state that I am not a big die hard fan of unions as many of them have become elitists and corrupt with inbred membership. Nevertheless I have an overall appreciation for what they have accomplished, not just for the workers, both white and blue, but also for the society.
Those people who don't appreciate unions, they should read The Grapes of Wrath. It's a classic. Hopefully they get more in-depth meaning and wisdom than just reading the words.
I am really surprised that many people don't realize the impact that unions have had on Americana. Many of them love reaping the benefits of many decades of what unions have accomplished for American workers whick made it possible the sharing of the created wealth. Moreover, it creates larger and greater wealth as it is spread over the society.
What would be like without unions? Get injured on the job, and cannot perform job duties? No sweat! The boss would say, Go to work tomorrow, but don't come here. Go to work looking for another job. No recourse, no complaint, no nothing. One only needs to see or experience working in one of the third or second world countries in Asia or South America and see how the majority toils.
And the benefits are not just for the blue color workers. White collar workers get priviledges that the blue collar workers got through their unions. Otherwise, same story for white collars. Two years to retirement benefits? Heck, that's time to get fired. Yep, without unions there would be lots of enronized retirees and perhaps they would be the lucky ones, even to get a nickle back of what they put in. Most won't have pension at all. They have to save on their own for their retirements. Guess how many can afford to save or even know how to do so? |
