I just came across this article by the esteemed Convict I mean Conrad Black about his views on public sector unions and collective bargaining
http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/...onrad-black-4/

Now I expect a bit of flak as I am one of those workers with my gold plated pension and benefits and represented by a union.
Im not saying he makes certain valid points but is he completely right in his assertions.
I have never been one of the rah rah rah union supporters/activists and will even agree that certain unions go over the top but in todays world there are calls for unions to be busted and in some cases disbanded as there are now mechanisms in place via Labour standards which negates a lot of what the unions used to fight for.
I see those standards worked well in the latest Bangladesh tragedy.
I agree there has to be a balance but to have no collective bargaining rights I think is going a bit too far IMHO.

If you don't agree with the union, don't join it. It's as immoral to join a union just to benefit from collective bargaining as it is for the union to hold the country to ransom.

Well yes I have the option not to join but would still have to contribute the equivalent in union dues to a charitable organization. So as a non union member should I be entitled to any benefits the union wins eg pay raises, increase in vacation time if not a member?
We can never hold the country to ransom as we are essential services and although legally we could strike Im sure the Govt already has drafted up legislation ordering us back to work.
After 2 years at an impasse the Govt has given us our final offer and they are meeting today. Even though we asked for the Public Interest Commissioner to mediate the Govt said any recommendations the PIC makes are non binding if finding in the unions favour. But would be binding if the PIC found in favour of the Govt. Yup collective bargaining is a democracy

What happened to my post?


I made a sarcastic "yep, no unfair dismissals and avoidable industrial accidents anymore" but it's gone.

Why?

If you are not a union member, what are your options for pay reviews?

Because non-members benefit from the collective agreements that the union negotiates. If they didn't, you soon see how quick those rabid anti-unionists change their tune.

I know. That's what makes it so immoral.

Hypocritical at the very least.

Great article by Conrad, completely agree with him.

One minute you're beating up striking union members on picket lines, then the next you're whining cos a Government's not listening to your own union's pay demands.

I've had the misfortune to have to deal with certain public sector unions and they are in the main full of whining, smelly parasites who have no appreciation of the service their members are employed to do. Although their leaders are usually the type with that delicious combination self-rightousness and self-obsession that with a little prodding come unstuck very easily. Very much like the tele-evangelists of the 80s and 90s.

@Oink

Initials MS by any chance?

You have no choice at my work. The positions were bargained for by the unions, and they are going to keep them (and currently challenging jurisiction to include more positions).

So you cannot opt out of paying dues - though you don't have to have them represent you I guess - and you do get to keep any raises that they bargain.

I think we're in for bleak negotiations for a new Collective Agreement - if we reach a decision. The education minister has indicated he wants 0%, 0%, 0% and 2% over the next four years.

You dont always have a choice if you need or want a job.