That Union Thing

What is a union, anyway? In some ways it's like your local neighborhood association-a voluntary organization of people banding together working toward common interests. Unions were created by workers to promote the interests of workers-working peoples' only organized voice in dealings with management.

In this world of disposable employees, downsizing, subcontracting, and job insecurity, unions are there to give workers some say in workplace issues, and to give them strength and dignity. Unions force employers to shift their awareness from the bottom line and back to employee welfare.

What have Unions accomplished? Forty-hour work weeks, minimum wages, job safety laws, and protection from firing for other than just cause are just some of the social reforms initiated by Unions.

Unions are not just for blue-collar employees, either. Medical professionals, teachers, technical professionals, and even athletes have realized that Unions enable them to protect their livelihood by taking their jobs into their own hands. Over the next several months, this column will look into where Unions have come from, what they have done, and where they are going. Stay tuned!

Coming in future installments…

Union News

Delta Air Lines pilots face a potential strike as contract negotiations have broken off. Talks began in September of 1999 and their contract expired last May. Pilots are seeking unified pay scales, better wages, and better retirement benefits. Management has so far chosen not to address or compromise on key issues.

Locally, some 125 employees of VECTours of Florida Inc., who transport passengers between cruise ships and airports in Fort Lauderdale and Miami, voted overwhelmingly for Union representation.

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