Arguments Against Unions

What is a union? According to Mathis, Jackson, & Valentine (2014), “A union is a formal association of workers that promotes the interests of its members through collective action” (p. 560). Many employees join unions, while employers tend to resist them. Why is this? Mathis et al. (2014) states, “In the United states, unions typically try to increase compensation, improve working conditions, and influence workplace rules” (p. 560). There are some employers that have a tendency to resist unions because they believe that a union affects how they manage their employees and the workplace (Mathis et al., 2014, p. 562). With this being said, a union basically acts as bargaining agent for employees when it comes to areas such as compensation, work

According to Mathis et al. (2014), “Some employers would rather not have to negotiate with unions because they affect how employees and workplaces are managed” (p. 562). Employers feel that a union prevents them from having complete control over the workers and the rules and policies of the company. With employers having less control, a union allows workers to unite giving them the power to place boundaries on the employer’s flexibility and the enforcement of the organizations policies. As a union, employees can fight to change certain policies of an organization. Some employers see this as a challenge to their right and therefore continue to resist unionization. However, Mathis et al. (2014) states, “once established, some employers pursue a strategy of good relations with unions, while others choose an aggressive, adversarial approach” (p. 562). There are some strategies that an employer can execute to avoid employees wanting to form a union. Mathis et al. (2014) states, “Companies can develop good employment practices, encourage greater employee feedback, offer better compensation, and build good rapport with workers to make unions unnecessary in employees’ eyes” (p. 562). However, if employees do decide to join a union, organizations should not coerce, question, discourage, or spy on these