Union Myths (Thomas Sowell)

Jewish World Review ^ | March 8, 2011 | Thomas Sowell

[Still Thinking]

Why do we have secret ballots in the first place, whether in elections for unions or elections for government officials? To prevent intimidation and allow people to vote how they want to, without fear of retaliation.

No one ever mentions that it was the unions that fought for secret ballots in organizing elections in the first place, as well they should have. I give them credit for that. To now turn around and say that secret ballots somehow hurt the worker is not only hypocritical given their earlier stand, but absurd on its face. Shows how far unions have deteriorated from the time when they actually served a purpose.

[allmendream]

In our society we can take for granted than a businessman has his own best interests at heart when he negotiates with employee unions.

If not, it is only his own money he is giving away.

We cannot take for granted that ELECTED officials have our best interests at heart when they negotiate with public employee unions that support his candidacy bus voters to the polls and give him campaign money.

And it is OUR money they are signing away long term with sweetheart deals.

[WayneS]

I’m pretty sure if Thomas Sowell ran for president I would vote for him.

[GOPJ]

Thanks for the ping.

[CPT Clay]

“Employee Free Choice Act.”

Bump

[jazusamo]

Welcome Para-Ord.45, you’re on.

[jazusamo]

Shows how far unions have deteriorated from the time when they actually served a purpose.

Well stated! A century or so ago it was the companies doing the intimidating. Now, and for quite some time it's the union thugs doing it.

[YankeeReb]

but can NOT understand why government unions were ever allowed to happen.

I heard it was JFK who did this by executive order, as payback to the unions for their support in the close 1960 election. In NYC the city workers were allowed to unionize in 1963 and 12 years later the city was bankrupt.