If we had universal, single payer we probably wouldn't need unions as much

[Orlandodem]

especially as it relates to benefits.

[librechik]

1. except to help us keep it, if we ever get it

Businesses everywhere would get a boost from NOT having to cover employees. It's stupid and wasteful not to do it. That's why you know it's mere politics (or greed) that keeps the opposition going, it sure isn't common sense.

[nadinbrzezinski]

2. Some things unions have brought to you

eight hour day.
Right to vacations
Living wages.

It is not just about medical

[Jackpine Radical]

8. Absolutely right.

There will always be a role for unions. Even if wage & fring issues somehow went away, there would be lots of safety,quality-of-life, etc. issues in the workplace.

[Starry Messenger]

+1

[Orlandodem]

15. I totally agree. We need more unions. I just want single payer as well.

Unions shouldn't have to bargain health.

[HuckleB]

3. We would still need unions, very badly.

Even with single payer, unions are needed now! Their importance has not been greater in a few decades, IMO.

[xchrom]

7. +1

[arbusto_baboso]

4. No, we'd still have a very strong need for unions.

Because you just KNOW that employers would use universal health care as an excuse for not needing to meet safety regs.

[Lindsay]

5. When employers treat employees fairly just because

it's the right thing to do, then maybe we won't need unions as much.

(I, for one, ain't holdin' my breath.)

[tinkerbell41]

6. I disagree

Wages would become worse than they are now, the 40hr work week would disappear. It won't end with getting rid of Unions. This is a fight for the working class period. Once they get rid of them what's next?

[Newest Reality]

9. As much?

What would happen if their were no unions?

Well, I think we would see pay-scales, benefits, job safety, etc., drop like a rock across the board for everyone. Yeah, things are getting bad, but a look to the past tells us that, given their way, Corporations can design a horrifying dystopia for everyone in no-time at all. But hey, they can sell you an illusory reality and lots of crap on TV along with a host of pharmaceuticals to solve the problems they manufactured. It's profitable.

Unions were pivotal in fighting many forms of exploitation. I think we need them more now than ever before.

[pacalo]

10. Oh dear, this isn't only about maintaining fair insurance benefits.

It includes the ability to negotiate on-the-job safety measures, equitable work schedules, overtime procedure, vacation time, sick days, & overall fair treatment by management.

Unions are the workers' checks & balances tool against bad management.

[shanti]

11. don't think so

we still need unions, and we also need universal health care. health care should never have been tied to one's employment.

[Cleita]

12. Oh you would need them for bargaining power.

Employers though wouldn't have to worry about providing health benefits and the medical part of Worker's Comp. You'd think they would be in favor of it.

[NNN0LHI]

13. Yea then any promotions would go to the bosses family members and suck asses

Remember Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men? Your supervisor would always be someone similar to Curley without a union. That was the point Steinbeck was trying to make.

Curley - The boss’s son, Curley wears high-heeled boots to distinguish himself from the field hands. Rumored to be a champion prizefighter, he is a confrontational, mean-spirited, and aggressive young man who seeks to compensate for his small stature by picking fights with larger men. Recently married, Curley is plagued with jealous suspicions and is extremely possessive of his flirtatious young wife.

[booley]

14. Possibly. Except...

Except that to my knowledge in countries with single payer there are still very strong unions.

I do not know the exact details but that would suggest that these people at least still see a need.