Tech Workers of the World, Unite

[Lisa0825]

http://www.wired.com/news/columns/theluddite/0,70858-0.html?tw=wn_story_page_prev2

Forty years ago, nearly one private-sector worker in three belonged to a union. Today, that number has dwindled to around 10 percent and there's little to suggest that a revival is nigh. Although unions remain fairly strong in the blue-collar world, that world is shrinking. (Can you say "technology"?) Consequently, labor unions don't wield the political clout they used to.
...

Because so many younger tech workers came of age at a time when unionism was in undignified full retreat, the bosses have had an easy time selling them on the virtues of the unfettered free market. Many have paid a price for buying in. A lot of repossessed condos are no doubt papered with worthless stock options.
...

Those weaned on an Ayn Rand kind of individualism aren't likely to appreciate the debt they owe to the American labor movement, or why restoring it to health is in their interests, too. Until the ax falls; then they understand. I've known talented people who have lost their jobs with little more than a shrug. The shrugging usually stops, however, when finding a comparable job proves more difficult than they ever imagined.
...

But things may be starting to change. Just maybe.

Labor is finally waking up to the new economy, and a younger leadership understands its obligation to be there for the new generation of America's working class. The key is to convince this generation that unity is strength and that a balanced workplace -- one that places the employee's interests on a par with management's -- is healthy for all concerned. Can it be done?

http://www.wired.com/news/columns/theluddite/0,70858-0.html?tw=wn_story_page_prev2

[TrogL]

1. Some tech workers can't join a Union

because they have read/write access to their employer's financial records.

[3waygeek]

3. Why would that prevent

one from joining a union?

[Demeter]

2. Unions Don't Want Tech Workers, Either

The cultural divide is too great--unions don't know how to sell themselves and their ideas because of the clutter of infrastructure built up over 100 years.

[nhdb]

4. Why would I want to join a union?

As a hi-tech worker for the last 18 years, I can't think of anything a union would do to justify my monthly union dues.

I have no desire to fund organized crime.
I negotiate my own pay raises.
Management is free to dump unproductive workers.
I have great benefits.


How exactly would a union help me?

[stevenleser]

5. OP- I think you are right. To NHDB

Assuming you arent a troll, here are some answers

1. You could lead the tech union or you could nominate someone you trust. So much for the "funding organized crime" argument.
2. For those of us who are good at our tech niche but arent the best negotiators or who might also be good negotiators but dont have the means to do an accurate analysis of what they are worth, a union would be a good thing. Plus, the power of the group to negotiate is much stronger than any individual.
3. Management is free to dump anyone, and to higher irresponsibly during a boom and fire irresponsbily during a bust.
4. You would have better benefits, those that could not be taken away at a whim.

Of course, you are probably just a GOP troll...

[Vidar]

6. Well said.

[PatGund]

7. Former Union Member

I'm a former member of CWA. And given a choice and chance, I'd happily join a union again.

When I was injured at a union job, the union went up to bat for me and made sure I got everything I was entitled to. No more or less.

When I was injured at a non-union job, I had to fight my employer every step of the way to get what I was entitled to by law. No more or less.

I work in IT, I'm a former dotcommer, and I am very supportive of unions and the benefits thereof.

[adnelson60087]

8. Where would the US middle class be

if not for Unions in the country? They shaped the entire playing field for 3 generations and I am at a loss to understand why the average worker cannot see the benefits. If I were AFL-CIO leadership, I'd be pushing TV and radio and Internet Spots that promote their points of view. I hate to say it, but Propaganda works. We'd best use it before Unions are a thing of the past.