On 4/28/2021 3:42 PM, Dr. Bruce wrote:
> Gary wrote:
>
>> Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>>> True that organized labor was a big help to the working class and
>>> improved wages, safety, working conditions. Unfortunately, some of
>>> the unions became infested with criminals and went too far. There
>>> were more interested in collecting dues.
>>>
>>> If I was born into the 1930s working class I'd be a union organizer
>>> but when I hit the workforce I'd never join one and pay the thugs.
>>> I had a front row seat dealing with them for about 17 years.
>>
>> Yep. Unions were a good thing at first but they overstayed their use
>> and became greedy. They were responsible, years later, for putting
>> American industries either out of business or sending them overseas.
>
> They prevent exploitation of workers in an unbridled-capitalist
> country. If you leave it up to the companies alone, workers will be
> paid $1 per hour and get fired if they scratch their head during
> working hours.
>

Maybe. probably still needed some places. Some businesses have increase
the pay rates because they can't get enough people. Part time burger
flippers that used to get minimum wage are now offered $10. There is a
big movement to raise wages to $15 but Amazon already pays that with
benefits. I understand working conditions are rather busy though.

Educated and skilled people always made a decent wage because they are
in demand. Joe Sixpack on the assembly line often needed help. In the
past, that is what unions were good for along with safety conditions.
OSHA is far from perfect but is also a help. Yes, I've been through two
OSHA audits with no problems, no fines. Probably not a factory in the
world could say that in 1950s or earlier.