Quote:
Originally Posted by Makarov
I’m not sure I follow? Of course union members can dissent and oppose union leadership. That’s in fact the entire point of the internal democracy of a union.
That’s entirely different from saying that people who wish to work in a unionized workplace must become a member of the union, must pay union dues, and must accept that the terms of their employment with their employer will be bargained by the union rather then themselves.
Is this an infringement on one’s freedom not to associate? Probably. Is it unfair in some cases? Probably. Are these acceptable sacrifices in furtherance of the societal benefit of unions Andrew collective bargaining? Probably.
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In practice, union members are not allowed to openly dissent or oppose union leadership. They are often 'blackballed' and delivered veiled threats, which usually results in the individual losing their employment (often voluntarily as it's not worth the constant negative attention they receive, simply for holding a contrary viewpoint.)
So while you, and various judges, may view these infringements on individual freedom and rights acceptable, I think it definitely helps to explain why so many, and a growing number of, Canadians view unions in such a negative light.