Quote:
Originally Posted by Seeker
I endured the union/government power struggles in the '70s with the rise to power of Thatcher. It was a turning point in societies' viewpoint, all of a sudden unions were bad and I admit that they had become too powerful and were too willing to wield that power.
People forget that unions were formed because of the awful working conditions of the industrial revolution. They were a contributory factor for the 40 hour week and paid holidays.
I was taught that capitalism was the only way; a superior system that won the cold war against communism/socialism. I am not quite so certain these days - it can work but it needs to be contained and it was the unions' job to contain it. They irresponsibly abdicated their role and tried for a power grab but I think we now need them back, hopefully in a more responsible mood. Left to its own devices, capitalism will exploit the workforce - it has to, they are expensive and are cutting into profits.
Funny how one unexpected conversation with a delivery driver gets you thinking.
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Indeed. Unfortunately legislation has made them largely thoothless, my own union is a prime example, but I still pay my subs each month.
But because of them being seen as bad, all the younger members of my team aren't union members, and generally accept things that are forced upon them by the powers above, which is a dangerous path to go down.
My union still advocate strike action as the tool of choice, but even I see that as completely pointless as the public won't support us if we did.
Unions can work, just look at some of the cases won, such as the Uber drivers right to paid holiday. These days we assume the right to paid holidays if we're employed by a company, but the Trumps of this world would have us working 365 days a year for nothing if they had their way.