General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Union workers who hate unions. I don't get it. [View all]MrYikes
(720 posts)I started with the IBEW making $2.25 an hour. I made $20 an hour with the musicians union. I made over $14k a year in the teamsters union (in 1966). I left the teamsters union in 95. I hold no love for unions.
As with any business unions have become a money generator and that has become their focus. They institute a high initiation fee and allow a fast turnover which generates considerable income for the union and then organize themselves so that there is little operating costs other than executive salaries. The unions have lost the trust of the workers, but since there is no alternative the workers stay in line (and the union knows and counts on this).
Unions have had time to renew themselves and become close to the workers but have stayed apart and aloof. The opportunity exists still. but not for long.