What are your thoughts on unions?

[Monster]

That's Germany. That's a whole different story. Different legislature. Different government.

That's true. I had hoped you would explain the US situation to me somewhat, and the information you gave me is interesting. I skimmed the Wikipedia article about unions to learn something about the situation in the US, but it appears to be pretty similar what unions do in both countries.

With this economy, those people complaining they want more money can be easily replaced with someone who would not complain about their salary. Strikes only disrupt the economy and create issues.

Yeah, this is what employers often say, but unions do play an important role. If people wouldn't complain, nothing would ever change.

Walmart employees once tried to start a union. Walmart found out and completely shut down the store and fired everyone. Know what happened? Everyone was easily replaced.

Here in Germany, after there had been several federal investigations into the business practices of Walmart due to worker's complaints, Walmart Germany threw the towel and sold all of its stores. So what? This opened up new business opportunities for other trade companies. Walmart never was profitable here anyway, b/c we already have hundreds of trading chains.

In the US it's the same: If a Walmart shop closes down -- so what? Many businesspeople in town are probably happy to restart their trade businesses.

I still remember people like Bill Gates complaining about too little competition. We have a proverb that goes "competition refreshes business" or "competition empowers business".

When people are laid off because a Walmart closes, they should go right ahead and make their own trade shop.

 

[fattony69]

That's true. I had hoped you would explain the US situation to me somewhat, and the information you gave me is interesting. I skimmed the Wikipedia article about unions to learn something about the situation in the US, but it appears to be pretty similar what unions do in both countries.

Yeah, this is what employers often say, but unions do play an important role. If people wouldn't complain, nothing would ever change.

Here in Germany, after there had been several federal investigations into the business practices of Walmart due to worker's complaints, Walmart Germany threw the towel and sold all of its stores. So what? This opened up new business opportunities for other trade companies. Walmart never was profitable here anyway, b/c we already have hundreds of trading chains.

In the US it's the same: If a Walmart shop closes down -- so what? Many businesspeople in town are probably happy to restart their trade businesses.

I still remember people like Bill Gates complaining about too little competition. We have a proverb that goes "competition refreshes business" or "competition empowers business".

When people are laid off because a Walmart closes, they should go right ahead and make their own trade shop.

Ah, I didn't realize you lived in Germany. My apologies. That is what employers say, but I can tell you first hand that when people are fired are laid off, there are at least 5 people willing to fill their job. You can read about thousands of people applying for a single job position. It is bad.

As for the Walmart in Germany, it was closed because no one went there because of the complaints. They said **** it, it isn't worth it. What you're getting into is a different topic with trade. If a Walmart closes down in America, it doesn't make a difference. There is not a single person in the US that lives further than 25 miles of a Walmart. If they close, there is Target or other places. Mom and Pop business is gone or rare.

Competition is there, but mom and pop can't compete. Unions don't fix this but ruin it.

 

[SaraDavis]

I think unions are great, we should totally bring them back.

 

[Napalm]

You mean like... Onion Servers..?

 

[Senior1]

I have some local friends that are very passionate about unions and some that think they are the worst thing every. I try to keep an open mind but my experience shows unions aren't needed these days. (like they were in the 40's)
What are your thoughts on them, are they good, are they bad and why do you feel that way?

Thanks

They protect the lazy and reward mediocrity.

 

[Jason2022]

Not sure myself, but some conservatives have blamed them for outsourcing - like when all the companies left Detroit.