Busted: 4 Myths About Unions You Can Help Bust

The holidays are quickly approaching and that means time together (safely) with family to celebrate.

While we look forward to seeing our family, most of us have that one anti-union family member who likes to throw out false information about unions.

This year, prepare yourself to bust these myths. Unions are a proven and effective way for hard working men and women to get the better wages, better benefits and better working conditions they deserve.

Here are some common myths and some suggestions of how you can respond with the truth and facts:

Myth #1: Unions make America less competitive.

Truth

- America’s most prosperous economic period was at the time when union membership was at it’s highest

- We need to invest our tax money in education, infrastructure (like new roads and bridges) and research, not take away the rights of workers

- 1950-1970 when unions were strong there was no such thing as a trade deficit in our country

- Countries like Germany and Sweden where unions are strong and wages high run trade surpluses

Myth #2: High wages and benefits are job killers.

Truth

- High wages are job creators. If more people have more money to spend they will buy more. As people buy more things, companies will hire more workers to keep up with demand

- Consider successful companies like Wal-Mart, whose wages are so low their employees are some of the top beneficiaries of tax payer funded programs intended to help the needy

- Higher wages give people the freedom and independence we all want to be able to take care of our families

Myth #3: Unions collect dues just to line their pockets.

Truth

- Unions collect dues so they can provide the best representation possible to our members. Our goal through negotiations is to put more money in our members’ pockets.

- We spend money training Stewards to handle grievances, safety concerns, contract negotiations, arbitrations and all of the things that allow us to serve our members

Myth #4: Unions are dinosaurs.

Truth

-Unions are needed now more than ever. The gap between the rich and the poor is the highest in a century, mostly because of a drop in union membership.

- Unions level the playing field for workers

- COVID has exposed that even when it comes to health and safety corporations are unwilling to take the necessary steps to keep employees safe because it’s all about the bottom line

-Workers will always need to stick together to speak on equal terms with their employers