What Is Good About Labor Unions?
- From 1945 to 1973, when unions represented a large percentage of American workers, wages kept up with growing production and prosperity was more widely shared. As union membership declined during the last 30 years, production has continued to climb but wages have become stagnant, putting more of the country's wealth into fewer hands. Organized labor's role as wage negotiator for the common worker promotes economic equality and gives more people a shot at the American dream.
- According to a survey of 73 independent studies, manufacturing and education sectors have 7 to 10 percent more productivity from unionized establishments than nonunion. A 1978 study published in the "Journal of Political Economy" found that union shops were 22 percent more productive than nonunion establishments. Additionally, researchers Paul and Darlene Clark found that unions improve care in America's health-care facilities by increasing nurse-to-patient ratios, improved training and limiting excessive overtime worked by unionized staff.
- Historically, unions have fought for economic, human and civil rights for members and nonmembers alike. Today, all American workers enjoy the 40-hour workweek, paid sick leave and vacation, weekends off, and health and safety regulations because of union efforts. Proof that labor unions are effective in their struggle for equality and the common man is the fact that tyrants of every stripe throughout history have outlawed them. Workers banding together are very difficult to intimidate and control.
- Researchers Richard Freeman and James Medoff found that nearly 20 percent of the union productivity advantage is due to lower turnover. Because of union grievance procedures, members feel they can improve their situation at work rather than quitting. Also, contrary to what organized labor's detractors maintain, unions do not have a higher record of creating business insolvency and worker displacement. According to researchers Richard Freeman and Morris Kleiner, writing in the July 1999 issue of "Industrial and Labor Relations Review," there is no statistical evidence that unionized businesses fail at a higher rate than nonunion establishments.
