Union - is it Socialism?

Brohn Bron

Well-Known Member
Is union participation a form of socialism? If so, what does that mean for people forced to join the union to have a job at UPS? If you are a Trump supporter how do you reconcile your political leanings and socialist union affiliations? Asking for a friend. Hope nobody gets irritable or starts throwing out Tidepod bs, wacko conspiracy 911 Truther crap.
 

baklava

I don’t work at UPS anymore.
Stop thinking in black and white political terms and just think about what makes sense for you as an individual. If it is socialist; so what? Maybe it’s an example of socialism that works.
 

Trailer monkey

Well-Known Member
Is union participation a form of socialism? If so, what does that mean for people forced to join the union to have a job at UPS? If you are a Trump supporter how do you reconcile your political leanings and socialist union affiliations? Asking for a friend. Hope nobody gets irritable or starts throwing out Tidepod bs, wacko conspiracy 911 Truther crap.
Unions are not socialist, they are private parties in agreement with other private parties (employers) No one is forced to participate. Right to work is big govt socialist interference
 

Brohn Bron

Well-Known Member
Unions are not socialist, they are private parties in agreement with other private parties (employers) No one is forced to participate. Right to work is big govt socialist interference

I’ve heard that new drivers in some regions in the US are forced to join the union if they want a job. Is that incorrect?
 

browndevil

Well-Known Member
Unions are not socialist, they are private parties in agreement with other private parties (employers) No one is forced to participate. Right to work is big govt socialist interference

I’ve heard that new drivers in some regions in the US are forced to join the union if they want a job. Is that incorrect?

If you work in a non right to work state, yes, joining the union and paying your dues is mandatory. Paying my monthly dues is the best investment I make
 

TearsInRain

IE boogeyman
it's not socialism unless the government forces itself into the arena

an agreement between labor and company is natural and old as time, it just depends on what is exchanged by each side throughout history

if a government does more than basic protection of the union, perhaps such as mandating them, then yes it is dipping into socialism

that said, socialism will always exist, it is part of the human condition (the same as capitalism is); the trick is where is the balance point that protects the people (because why need a government otherwise) and maximizes opportunity while removing the minimum amount of liberty
 

Brohn Bron

Well-Known Member
Do a little homework on the history of unions.

Before unions and after unions.

I have. Working conditions sucked as well as pay. I’m not saying I disagree one bit. I would argue if our current conditions are sustainable with regards to benefits and wages, though.
 

Brohn Bron

Well-Known Member
it's not socialism unless the government forces itself into the arena

an agreement between labor and company is natural and old as time, it just depends on what is exchanged by each side throughout history

if a government does more than basic protection of the union, perhaps such as mandating them, then yes it is dipping into socialism

that said, socialism will always exist, it is part of the human condition (the same as capitalism is); the trick is where is the balance point that protects the people (because why need a government otherwise) and maximizes opportunity while removing the minimum amount of liberty

Thank you Tears! Very insightful and appreciated. I can see where an earlier commenter states that the government making right to work States is socialism.
 

olroadbeech

Happy Verified UPSer
I have. Working conditions sucked as well as pay. I’m not saying I disagree one bit. I would argue if our current conditions are sustainable with regards to benefits and wages, though.
That's a good question. as long as the economy keeps booming it is sustainable but if we have a worldwide retraction that lasts a long time like it did in the 80's you will see widespread layoffs and ugliness.

i believe the economy is a house of cards . sustained by major fraud and corruption. nobody on the planet knows where the DOW should be but it's not 25,000.
2008 was a warning that no one heeded.
 

JL 0513

Well-Known Member
In many respects it follows socialistic principals but in our case the government isn't involved so the two private parties involved are agreeing to operate a certain way.

"Collective" bargaining is joining a collective. Hence socialism in that sense. And that we are all paid the same regardless of work performance. That's far separated from the idea of individualism, self accomplishment, and maintaining your job through a good work ethic.

Also instead of the government having a stranglehold on UPS, a union does taking a lot of the normal business decisions out of the hand of a company.
 
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