Are Unions Good For Our Economy?

In the late 1800's and early 1900's American workers suffered in factories, mills, on our railways and in numerous other industries. Workers of this era were the forefathers for today's unions. Many suffered abuse, torment, and some even lost their lives to create a better working environment. Unions were for the workers. Are they really for the workers today? There was a time when unions worked for the workers. Today it is easy to get the impression that workers work for the unions. What changed? Did unions get too big and lose their focus? Are unions good or bad for the economy? Are union demands creating jobs or hindering the growth of jobs? Is there a way to balance unionization and economic demand? These are questions that will raise enormous debate, singe nerves, and cause intense emotion. Only an open mind can prevail in this debate.

Lets take a look at the history of unions. Founded in 1886 was the American Federation of Labor. The Congress of Industrial Organizations was formed roughly four decades later in 1932. In 1955 the AFL and CIO merged together as a formidable force for labor. Today the AFL/CIO represent over 2 million workers in America, and over 10.5 million workers around the world. In America there are 146,743,000 workers. That means that the AFL/CIO represents 1.36% of the American work force. UAW has a working role of 640,000 workers and 500,000 retired members. Of the working UAW work force they represent 0.44% of American workers.

UAW President Ron Gettlefinger makes $145,126 a year to head a large union. A humble salary for such a position. The UAW operating budget it $13.9 million. He and his board took a pay cut in 2005. Commendable for the board. Average pay for UAW workers was another issue.

While the median income for most Americans was below $58,000, wouldn't we all like to make that. Autoworkers pay in 2006 ranged from $96,000 to $151,000 with a high school diploma. The low end was for Nissan workers in America. Any question why automobiles cost as much as they do? I have a Master's degree, can't find a job and made under $15,000 so far this year as a Realtor. In my best year I made $110,000. Before real estate I worked over 20 years in a state prison and retired with the highest pay of $45,000 a year. My retirement barely covers my $1,000 a month health insurance. Now I as a taxpayer am being asked to bail out the auto industry? Unions played a big role in raising the price of automobiles to unreachable levels, as did overpaid executives. Now an industry of greed is asking for a bail out. I personally experienced the effects of greed in the real estate industry. This is an example of how unions can negatively impact the economy. How many of those auto workers had to work in a hostile environment, break up fights, manage multiple employees, resolve disputes, train personnel, plan budgets, and make sure the public is protected? How many police officers, teachers, and nurses make less?

Good luck trying to find the AFL/CIO budget or what their president John J. Sweeney is paid. Why is the UAW transparent compared to the AFL/CIO? This is the same organization that back a less than transparent presidential nominee. If there is nothing to hide, make it public. Member of the AFL/CIO should be asking these questions.

Organization by unions is not the solution to reviving our economy. Global competitiveness is important. For those unions working toward competitiveness, good for you. For those who are working to cost taxpayers and consumers more, I say get out of the way and let our economy get back to being healthy again.

You get what you got coming to you.