I am so happy to see pro union folk posting here on B-F. I am a Michigander now living in the right to work state of Florida. Unionism is one of those subject that people have deeply held feelings about, making it hard to effect opinion change.
Unionism began to develop after the US Civil War, and Southern politicians of the time successfully kinked unionism to Northern Domination and control that were so strongly hated in the South. thereby limiting the spread of unionism in the South. This is why wages in the South are generally lower than wages in the North.
SO MANY benefits that we take for granted in todays work place were non-exixtant prior to unions.
The 8 hour work day.
overtime pay.
time off for lunch.
work breaks,
the 40 hour work week,
paid holidays,
sick time,
vacation days,
company paid health insurance,
company paid life insurance,
grievance procedures,
are some of these.
Thank you Unions - mine was the UAW (United Auto Workers.)
...and thank you MsDeameanor for this great thread.
Smooches,
Keri
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