OK, I'm new to this site and was just kinda floating around checking things out. Low and behold I read this topic which is very near and dear to me. I am a union member, Local 6201, who recently went on strike. At the time I questioned our VP thru and thru about their motives. To my suprise he was very responsive and informative about the process. I always thought my union was very weak and slow to react, because of my upbringing in a unionized home. My father was a dock worker in Jersey most his life, very strong union. Anyway, there are some good points being made on both sides of the coin here. I have seen people get thier jobs back that probably didn't deserve them in the first place. I've heard the people who think the union pays them. I've seen managers, who were trying to do what was best for the company, be transfered because of union witch hunts. At the same time in non-unionized jobs, I've seen the classic "who you know" hire and fire routine go on. Someone's nephew needs a job type thing (which I personally fell victim to). Some receptionist wouldn't blow someone. All that mess. And has anyone ever actually tried to utilize the EEOC. Do you realize how long of a process that is? Try years. Then if you do get your job back all the systems will have been changed or upgraded and you just might not be able to make the grade. So if there is a choice I'm definitely Pro-Union.

Gypsy,
I read your post.
You are Pro-union.
I re-read your post.
Why are you pro-union?

The only "positive" you mention is the fact that some people in non-union jobs get hired or fired based on who they know.