A signing bonus is almost like a bribe, and should be against the law in collective bargaining. (Individual contract bargaining, like for sports stars, is a different matter.)
Someone intending to quit soon can vote for the signing bonus, pocket the money, quit, and stick the rest of the members with a substandard contract for the rest of the five years.
Other voters can pocket the signing bonus, then stick five year's worth of New Hires with a Contract that doesn't include a bonus for them, and probably harms them with givebacks as well.
A singing bonus does not become a permanent part of the wage scale, nor is it included in overtime pay, and puts the members in a less favorable position when the Contract has to be renegotiated in five years.
It's aimed at weak-willed people who don't get the long term, big picture, and seek instant gratification.
Someone intending to quit soon can vote for the signing bonus, pocket the money, quit, and stick the rest of the members with a substandard contract for the rest of the five years.
Other voters can pocket the signing bonus, then stick five year's worth of New Hires with a Contract that doesn't include a bonus for them, and probably harms them with givebacks as well.
A singing bonus does not become a permanent part of the wage scale, nor is it included in overtime pay, and puts the members in a less favorable position when the Contract has to be renegotiated in five years.
It's aimed at weak-willed people who don't get the long term, big picture, and seek instant gratification.