Trade Unionism: Where do we go from here?

[Aaron]

A trade union (or labour union) is an organization of workers who have banded together to achieve common goals in key areas and working conditions. The trade union, through its leadership, bargains with the employer on behalf of union members (rank and file members) and negotiates labor contracts (Collective bargaining) with employers. This may include the negotiation of wages, work rules, complaint procedures, rules governing hiring, firing and promotion of workers, benefits, workplace safety and policies. The agreements negotiated by the union leaders are binding on the rank and file members and the employer and in some cases on other non-member workers.

These organizations may comprise individual workers, professionals, past workers, or the unemployed. The most common, but by no means only, purpose of these organizations is "maintaining or improving the conditions of their employment".
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trade_union

I thought it'd be good to discussion unionism, given the recent economic changes going on. Would love to hear some people's thoughts on unionism.

Some questions to answer:
What are people's thoughts on trade unionism in modern life? Do we still need unions in their current manner within society? Is legislation now a sufficient form of protection for workers' rights? What positives do they bring to society? What negatives do they bring? Are you formally a member of a trade union?

Do NOT use this as a thread to discuss if you think capitalism is a failed model, or argue about politics or religion or religion or religion or religion. Please try keep this in international terms, and avoid reference to specific legislation as we're not all from the same country.

[Light Flantastic]

legislation is terrible what if me and my co-workers want something very specific

[Aaron]

Explain please. I don't know where you going with this. Do you mean something like you want biscuits in the tea room? Or something more important?

[Light Flantastic]

anything that workers want thats not necessarily covered by law

i dont even know what this legislation is that you're talking about

[andyneverstoppingmachine]

anything that workers want thats not necessarily covered by law

i dont even know what this legislation is that you're talking about

you're of the belief that such things are best settled in the courts, no?

[Light Flantastic]

no idk what you mean people should be able to dismiss their employees for whatever reasons they feel like or no reasons at all whats to take to court unless they have a contract that says they cant be dismissed

[andyneverstoppingmachine]

so is the union's only bargaining chip a threat of strike?

[Light Flantastic]

no the union can do whatever it likes it can wear dresses to work for all i care but if the company wants to fire union members thats its business

[Radiobass81]

A famous political activist was discussing this the other day, and what he said (which I basically agree with) is that there are two main types of Unions: those with a small vision which only want to get better wages and those who see a broader picture and see the class struggles and the worker's condition not limited to the workplace. The latter (later?) should also promote and help better the living conditions, the area where most are made to live in because of wages, education, etc etc. Basically, a light sindicalism revolution.

Besides, I think the Unions should make sure that all of the achievements that have been made are kept. Not sure how the situaiton is over there, but here the government is basically taking all of the benefits and achievements away against all of the deals made, and although the Unions and the island itself is against it (100k people on a march agains the new government's plans in an island with 4mill people used to being stepped on and not do anything is a lot).

[andyneverstoppingmachine]

no the union can do whatever it likes it can wear dresses to work for all i care but if the company wants to fire union members thats its business

but wearing dresses to work isn't a bargaining chip

should there be laws that limit strike lengths?

[Light Flantastic]

sure it is if your employer or the customer base hates dresses

and no

[andyneverstoppingmachine]

and no

ok, that's a model i actually agree with

[Radiobass81]

should there be laws that limit strike lengths?

Hah.

"Yeah, you can fight for your rights, just come back to work after a week."

One of the problem with unions (atlest here) is that they feel they need permission to strike/march.