Although Quincunx and Sam have already given excellent responses, there's just a couple of things I can add to this.: What did I say in that post, or anywhere on this forum that would indicate I am against unions or striking?
I stand corrected. It's true you haven't stated that specifically.
However, the following remarks would indicate that your support of
unions is qualified:
: I beleave that in any job where conditions are bad and pay is low it is the peoples right and duty to strike. I view unions as a part of capitalism-- the way people can collectively bargain for fair treatment in an instances companies get away treating employees in a sub-human way. In america this has not happened since industrial revolution days liken unto those in Marx's times whos no longer apply to the world today, and are obsolete.
It still does happen, unfortunately. Speedups are common in both the
manufacturing and service sectors. Unsafe conditions are common in
assembly plants; truck drivers are forced to cover longer distances in
less time; workers handle hazardous materials without proper safeguards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is not
sufficiently staffed to police all companies, and the companies know
this. I speak from personal experience (without revealing the names of
my employers). Which brings up the following:
: I have never in my life been a union worker, and, although approving of them, I don't agree with many of the frivolious strikes they have done in america in the last 30 or so years. They are just asserting thier freedom; thats something that we can't have ito much of.
A strike is a very trying experience for all parties involved. It
would not be undertaken for frivolous reasons. Without firsthand
knowledge of the company and its conditions, neither you nor I are
qualified to judge the workers' demands. However, since the striking
workers are putting their jobs and their futures on the line, it would
be wise to assume that they have good reason for doing so.
: Working at any particualar place is. Boy, you sure know how to read things out of context.
Easy enough to do if you're writing them out of context. Your original
statement was "working is voluntary", which is not the same thing as
"working for any particular employer is voluntary". But even working
for a particular employer is not always voluntary, if you happen to be
in a rural or depressed urban area with only one or two companies
that are hiring. When job opportunities are limited, companies will
certainly take advantage of their bargaining positions. Desperate
people will put up with low wages and unsafe conditions.
: P.S. Sorry for using Rush Limbauhs "pet phrase"; its either listening to him or country music during lunch.
In that case, stick with Limbaugh. Modern American country music is a particularly inhumane form of punishment.
None.
