Arguments Against Labor Unions

Unions have been instrumental in bringing about many of the reforms American laborers have come to view as the norm in their working environment. These include the 40-hour work week and wage fairness. Since most of the early problems have since been addressed by legislation, today many believe they have outlived their usefulness. Others take an even harsher view, blaming them for the nation's current economic malaise.

Arguments against the continuation of labor unions include the following:

• The high cost of union wages is detrimental to the American economy. It hinders businesses from expanding at home and encourages them to seek lower labor expenses in Mexico and third world countries overseas.


• Union jobs are structured for protection rather than productivity. There is no provision in the pay system for rewarding the most productive employees, as all workers at a given level are paid the same. Pay increases are based on seniority. In the same manner, when cutbacks are necessary, those remaining on the job are there as a result of time served, not the quality of their performance of their productive effort.


• Unions are corrupt and use the membership dues collected to purchase political influence designed to perpetuate artificially high wages and generous benefits. Some of its leadership has even been affiliated with organized crime.


• Unions are inefficient. By limiting the specific functions that employers are permitted to expect from employees, unnecessary and expensive  job redundancies are created.


• Unions encourage laziness among their members. Since compensation is not based upon performance, workers will attempt to do the least possible rather than seek reward for ability and effort.


• Public unions, such as those representing police and teachers, are particularly harmful to the American people. They have the power to shut down essential services when making their demands for increased compensation. The public is extorted to meet the demands by paying increased taxes or suffering the loss of community protection and education.