I asked this on another thread, but why “must” cops be unionized?
I *think* the cops became unionize originally as a sort of cooperative, for protection against suits to individual cops, and to be able to deal with the brass collectively rather than individually on things like promotions. I’d rather see them, and teachers, and others on the public payroll, in an actual trade association or trade cooperative, rather than union.
There has to be something more effective than unions that would offer the protections they need without the thuggery. Then again, the biggest teachers union is misnamed the “National Education Association.”
I don’t personally believe in unions for public employees, but understand there’s a lot of politics involved in those jobs, as to who gets what promotion. I suppose the members see it as protection if they are personally not favored by the power-brokers.
The only reason that I can think of is representation in case an officer is accused of something. I consider that to be a legitimate reason.
“...why “must” cops be unionized?”
One big reason is that local city/county authorities, especially in the bigger city areas are liberal Democrats are the worst when it come to stepping on and screwing LEO pay/benefits.