unionized environment and employees politics

[the wanderer]

So I got into an interesting discussion with some friends the other day.

I am curious how many people work or have worked in a unionized environment and what political leanings you have (right, center, left).
I wish there was a way to have this as a poll so we would not see who leans which way but I don't think there is.

Thanks

[DuffMan]

never been in a union.
we do have unionized workers where I work though.
lean center

[CaptainCrunch]

I think we need to unionize CP, we need post action, monosyllabic posts only until we get more cookies

[Russic]

I worked in a unionized position for several years. The pay and benefits were of course great, but on the other hand efficiency was almost non-existent and people took advantage of the system all over the place. Incredible job security for those who needed it, but getting rid of those that were dragging the entire system into the gutter was almost impossible.

If you haven't guessed, I lean centre.

[CaptainYooh]

Originally Posted by the wanderer

...
I am curious how many people work or have worked in a unionized environment and what political leanings you have (right, center, left). ...

Also, while we're at it, we should list political leanings of all of our close relatives and friends.

[tete]

I've had jobs in three different unions (three different provinces) over the years (I currently have a job that is not unionized) and I've voted for almost every major political party in provincial and federal elections. I'd say I sit pretty centre at this point? My political leanings have nothing to do with taking a unionized job - my career is one in which non-union jobs are few and far between (though here in Calgary it's a bit easier).

[Thor]

Worked in one union in my early 20's, working summers at Molson's brewery, awesome job and lots of bad employees.

Now live in Iceland, unions here are nothing like the experience I had in Calgary, people actually work hard and work ethic is strong, mind you thats very much part of the culture.

Molson's was a disaster of a union, they were the major cause why Calgary closed over the Edmonton plant, they deserved their fate. Very sad though, that brewery was a landmark and very old, there was some very cool rooms and areas from the early 1900's when it was first built.

Oh lean left, but more accurately socially liberal, centrist otherwise.

[Coys1882]

I lean pretty central depending on the topic.
I dislike unions - they bred complacency and mediocrity. I understand that they had a purpose when worker rights and safety were non-existent. Now they are just a safe haven for employees on cruise control.

I can't stand the fact that my best employee and worst employee make the same income - it's ludicrous.

[mariners_fever]

Originally Posted by Coys1882

I lean pretty central depending on the topic.
I dislike unions - they bred complacency and mediocrity. I understand that they had a purpose when worker rights and safety were non-existent. Now they are just a safe haven for employees on cruise control.

I can't stand the fact that my best employee and worst employee make the same income - it's ludicrous.

Couldn't say it better myself, but this is what leads me to lean centre-right. Centrist parties nowadays all too often pander to unions to win power, thus perpetuating these problems.

[the wanderer]

Originally Posted by CaptainYooh

Also, while we're at it, we should list political leanings of all of our close relatives and friends.

Captain. I am only looking for those who work in unionized environment and their leanings.
If there was a way to get the info and have in confidential I would have preferred that.
Since there isn't, and I wanted to get some info, I asked.
Those that do not want to to answer are free not to.
While I work in a unionized environment I have not stated which way I lean. Mildly hypocritical yes but I am looking for information and I know my leanings

[CaptainYooh]

Originally Posted by the wanderer

... I am looking for information ...

Why?

[Montana Moe]

I work in a public sector union shop. Membership isn't mandatory, and only one of us isn't a member.

I'm actually pretty middle of the road, fiscal conservative, social liberal.

Most of my shop is hardcore right wing, I'd say closer to Reactionary than Conservative.

[the wanderer]

Originally Posted by CaptainYooh

Why?

Unions often support left wing positions/candidates (including financially).
I am trying to find out whether there is a large silent non left wing who are unionized and who's voice is not being heard by their unions.

[afc wimbledon]

Originally Posted by the wanderer

Unions often support left wing positions/candidates (including financially).
I am trying to find out whether there is a large silent non left wing who are unionized and who's voice is not being heard by their unions.

No, union membership in Canada is like everyone else, mostly centerist to moderately left and too lazy or unconcerned to take part in the actual running of the union.

As a shop steward for years I would have to endlessly point out to my members that a union is a democracy, and a very responsive one at that due to the smaller number of members, but as no one ever bothered to actually do or say anything the running of things tended to devolve to a handlefull of people.

[CaptainYooh]

I don't believe this is an appropriate question to ask in a public forum. Active solicitation of very personal information, even when it is concealed under forum ID's, is wrong.

[rubecube]

I've worked in three different union shops, but in some of those as a non-union employee. I think the necessity of a union depends on the industry. Most of my work has been in telecommunications and I've definitely seen instances where an employee could be taken advantage of if it weren't for the union (mandatory OT, etc.). That being said, I've also dealt with the "that's not in my job description" crowd.

I would say I'm centre-left.

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by afc wimbledon

No, union membership in Canada is like everyone else, mostly centerist to moderately left and too lazy or unconcerned to take part in the actual running of the union.

As a shop steward for years I would have to endlessly point out to my members that a union is a democracy, and a very responsive one at that due to the smaller number of members, but as no one ever bothered to actually do or say anything the running of things tended to devolve to a handlefull of people.

Agreed. In the one union I was a member of, I was elected vice-president of the local at 20 years-old because I ran unopposed. It was a good experience for me, but it probably wasn't a position a 20 year-old kid should've held.

EDIT: I should add that the reason I ran for the position was so I could have direct input into union decisions and make sure we didn't shoot ourselves in the foot.

[Deegee]

I am central-right and have worked one union job. I was busting my balls and when I asked for help the guy told me he was in the union and I was in the labour pool so I had to work, not him.

I walked off then and there and try to avoid union jobs at all costs moving forward.

[afc wimbledon]

I tend to view unions the way Churchill viewed democracy, the very worst way to run things except for every other way, if we didn't have unions, for all their faults and I'd be the first to admit they have many, we'd be pulling bodies out of collapsed sweat shops while probably using 5 year old kids to squeeze into the cracks.

[the wanderer]

Originally Posted by CaptainYooh

I don't believe this is an appropriate question to ask in a public forum. Active solicitation of very personal information, even when it is concealed under forum ID's, is wrong.

I appreciate your belief, but nothing requires someone to answer. many won't answer for the reason you stated, other are open about their views and getting those views is what im looking for