Thayne - I have done both union, and non-union work.  The employees of some company's do need a union, and others do well without.  I believe it all comes down to how fairly the company treats it's employees.  I was very thankful to have the union representation at my last union position, it was needed to keep the treatment of employees fair.  On the flipside, the last non-union company I worked at, would not have benefited from joining a union.  Our opinions are formed from our past experiences, and you should be thankful to have had good ones with your non-union employers.  I think that the idea that a union = more pay, is certainly not always accurate.  Thayne, I wonder if you know what most teachers earn .. peanuts!  IMO teaching (elementary, and secondary specifically) is not, and should not be treated as a business, it's an investment into our future.  While I'm sure some teachers are better than others (as in any profession), it seems out of wack that someone operating an automated machine, to produce an ITEM should have more importance/pay associated with their job, than a person educating a PERSON.  I understand the importance of economy, I just think it's a shame that people aren't worth more in our society.

Thunder snipit - "The day they don't offer a very comparable package to the unionized workers there will be a union at the door."

If a union were to be voted in at some automotive companies (such as the non-union supplier I worked at), I suspect that some may exercise the option to just close the doors, and move home, as mine would.

This is all true, and I agree with 90% of what you have said here Petty Fan 45.

I agree that sometimes important work is not rewarded monetarily, unfortunately. There are some callings that require a dedication to ideals and not a financial reward.

Kind of like some jobs in Cup, ironically.

And Benchracer, sometimes Unions have to give as well as they take. Win a battle in good times and come back to the table and get a better deal next time in bad times. I have been there and done that. I'd rather have a job than work for no one.

Finally a civil and good discussion...

PF45 you make very valid points and it is true, but I do know what teacher's make, many in my family are teachers and professors, in that profession it goes by seniority, especially elementary teachers who every 3 years get bumped up i think like 2%....It's a weird system anyways...

I will say this though, unions have been good for the auto workers, but from what I have follwed int he past 8-10 years the union has gotten their workers numerous raises as the companies revenue decreased...I think the union may be responsible for many of the job losses...I will see what I can dig up for percentage increases...

wow,  this went very political!!!!    lets get back to topic.........stone the evil broom stick ridin stepmother.......muahahahahahaah!!!!!  lol  hey longstreet,  i do like jr,  but i also like the entire sport of nascar racing....was a huge  tim richmond fan,  and geoff bodine,  so it was cool to race against him in sun valley a few years back.  ss

I'll get back to drinking my "Union Made" beer... ;D

Carry on ladies and gents  ;D ;D

This one is for you Big Dog and maybe the next will be for brother Blkflagagain  ;D