COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

Collective bargaining is a powerful tool for organized labor to extract demands from employers.  Behind the "bargaining" is always the threat of a possible strike.  The balance of power, in the absence of reason, is in favor of the unions.

"Collective bargaining" means that each worker in the group will receive equal treatment/wages/benefits regardless of their skill or effort.  There is no room for anyone who works harder or better than the others to be compensated differently.  Why try?  There are labor laws which have minimized employer abuses of the past.  These protections may not be able to compel employers as forcefully as unions, but they give the worker rights and a means to complain about unfair treatment.  Without the union, the worker could improve his position with the employer by being more productive and negotiating a raise for himself.  When one succeeds, others will see the light and become more productive themselves.

The recent efforts by unions to eliminate secret balloting at union meetings offers an insight into how unions view their members.  Without secret ballots it is easy to intimidate members and punish them if they buck the leaders in any way.  Punishment could sometimes involve physical retaliation against the member and family.