It cannot be denied by anyone that unions have played and are
playing a vital part in America's history. Without them employers
would still be practicing discriminatory actions. Prior to the
increased activity of unions, during the depression years and
before, an employer was free to go out to the entrance gates of his
factory and choose his employees by "looks". This meant, of course,
that the Polish, Italian, Jewish, and Negroid were the last to-be
hired.
Unions have bought organization to labor. With organization
comes power. This is essential for unskilled, semi-skilled, and
skilled laborers. If the blue-collared workers have no power, they
are at the mercy of their employers. Labor, through unions, has
managed to lighten the work day and raise wages from the
subsistence level.
If for no other reasons than these, unions have served their
country and mankind. It must also be noted that various types of
insurance and other fringe benefits have been acquired by the
blue-collar worker through the diligent efforts of their bargaining
agencies--the unions.
A good example of modern benefits which unions have brought is
the new agreement reached between Ford and the U.A.W (United Auto
Workers). In this new contract, the auto workers are guaranteed a
minimum annual wage. With advances like this taking place everyday,
the possibility of an increase in the number of people living in
poverty is greatly reduced.
American labor unions, as they exist today, are far too busy
powerful. Unions are also a threat to the stability and welfare of
the United States economy. These organizations are detrimental and
must be abolished.
Presently, unions are immense and powerful. These societies of
workers actually control the economy and government of this nation.
If a major union such as the United Auto Workers, decides to strike
for increased wages, many complementary industries are also
effected.
Hence, the entire economy may suffer with adverse results
occurring..inflation. In actuality, unions are even able to control
the government. Large unions can very effectively lobby and get
desirable legislation passed through the Congress. Also, a majority
of the popularity of the population are members of sundry workers'
associations. Therefore, American unions are enabled to control a
major portion of the voting public. Such a factor opens the path
for virtual union controlled government representation.
The basic idea of unions, to improve the workers' position, is
extremely desirable and worthwhile. However, the power is being
terribly misused. The unions are perpetually demanding more and
more. This insatiability is a hinderance to the American economy
and causes inflation. Certainly, the unions must be stopped before
their wants are carried to unacceptable extremes. At one time, the
United States feared an economy and wage structure controlled
solely by the employers. Then the Taft-Hartly Act of 1947 and
similar legislation was passed. Now, a "labor dictatorship" exists
with this nation. Is such a condition desirable? Is it necessary?
No, on both counts!
The government must do something about the union situation in
America today. Before long the predicament will, undoubtedly, get
out of hand. Once the all powerful force was business, now it is
labor. A balance between the two factions must be attained by
governmental means to insure the economic security of this nation.
The extraordinary power of unions must be abolished.
