Problems with Unions

We have lots of respect for unions. Most of them work hard to protect their members and to fight for better conditions. Sometimes when we’ve been called in to deal with a workplace problem we’ll work alongside the union who may have been called in by other employees. 

But there is one important difference between how we protect you compared to how a union operates.

The union needs to protect all of its members, and not just you. This may mean that it can’t fight as hard for your individual rights as we can.

Also, the union won’t be able to fight hard for you and your entitlements if this clashes with the needs of its other members – for example, we dealt with a case involving a major transportation company. Accusations had been made against our client employee who also belonged to a union. While well meaning, the union was unable to advance her case effectively because her evidence had implications for other employees (also union members) so the union had a conflict of interest between really helping our client and its other members. It also had a conflict of interest between working hard to protect our client and maintaining a cozy relationship with management.

In summary, unions can be helpful, but be aware of their limitations.