What are the Pros and Cons of Labor Unions?

Most people have heard the term labor union and may understand what they are, but how might joining one impact your life and career? There are a good reasons on both sides to join or stay away from labor unions and it is important to understand the ins and outs of what they do to determine what the best choice is for you.

One of the main benefits to being in a labor union is the power that they have when employees band together. If work conditions are unsafe or if everyone feels that they are being unfairly treated or paid poorly, being a part of a collective voice increases the chances of being heard and things changing in the company. That being said, union negotiations can lead to other consequences. For example, if a union is able to raise wages for employees, it might decrease the number of employees or inhibit the company from hiring more, which could create stressful understaffing.

Another benefit to being part of a union is that the union can largely determine the termination and discipline actions of the company, which can be beneficial to those looking for more guaranteed job security. The flipside to that, however is that unions can protect incompetent employees and thus lead to less success for the company overall. Finally, being a part of a labor union creates a sense of comradery among members. It can however lead to hostility between company workers and thus can lead to a more hostile work environment.

Whether you decide to join a labor union or not, we at the Franco Law Firm are here for you to ensure that all of your rights are being honored. If you run into any trouble, please consult with us and we will fight to see justice served for you. We can be reached via phone at (813) 872-0929.