Canadian Unions the Biggest Political Spenders in Canada

[crazy_eoj]

Not sure how many people have looked through the database of provincial political donations put together by the National Post, but some of the results are shocking.

Donations by Unions, both public and private sector, are by far and away the largest contributors to provincial politics in Canada. Is there any surprise we've seen such huge growth in public sector employment recently?

It definitely raises questions about the ethics involved in using force to garnish workers wages and then to turn around and use those wages as donations to preferred political groups. I would imagine this is an activity the majority of Canadians would not support the use of their public dollars (obviously for public unions).

Regardless, it's a great look at the huge money being thrown around by these groups and their political partners.

https://pdstg-travers-fellowship.her...e-money/donors

[jayswin]

Over/under on iggyoi posts in this thread?

[Jacks]

Originally Posted by jayswin

Over/under on iggyoi posts in this thread?

The line is 37%

[CaramonLS]

It's not just money. They also donate 'volunteer' time.

I know a few unions that made sure their employees were off work to canvas for the NDP in the last provincial election.

[crazy_eoj]

Originally Posted by CaramonLS

It's not just money. They also donate 'volunteer' time.

I know a few unions that made sure their employees were off work to canvas for the NDP in the last provincial election.

You'd think that should be included in donation amounts as well? Another way Unions use their influence to protect their managements salaries over the 'rights of workers' in general.

[evman150]

Originally Posted by crazy_eoj

It definitely raises questions about the ethics involved in using force to garnish workers wages and then to turn around and use those wages as donations to preferred political groups.

I don't see the ethical failure in taking a portion of a person's wages and spending it on something that is in that person's financial interest. It's not like there's some breach of trust going on here.

Union dues are a way of circumventing the tragedy of the commons (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragedy_of_the_commons) such that the common good of the union membership is maximized.

[crazy_eoj]

Originally Posted by evman150

I don't see the ethical failure in taking a portion of a person's wages and spending it on something that is in that person's financial interest. It's not like there's some breach of trust going on here.

Union dues are a way of circumventing the tragedy of the commons (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragedy_of_the_commons) such that the common good of the union membership is maximized.

You're making the assumption that the Union understands what is in an individuals best interests better than that individual themselves.

That's certainly not the case in many examples. There are countless instances of union leadership being most interested in preserving their own or senior members positions/salaries at the expense of low ranking or new employees. Taking those employees hard earned dollars to 'sell them out' is a perfect example of an ethical failure.

[iggy_oi]

Originally Posted by Jacks

The line is 37%

It’s interesting that this poster put me on their ignore list yet can’t seem to resist talking about me.

For the moment I’ll sit back and let crazy_eoj just share his thoughts. It always entertains me to read how little understanding some people have about how unions operate, and it gets even funnier when those same people try to proclaim that I don’t understand other topics. Crazy is off to a great start, already making claims like there are countless examples of X without actually giving a single example

[Weitz]

If I belonged to a Union (which I never would) I would be quite upset if my union was donating money to a political party I didn’t support.

[GGG]

Originally Posted by crazy_eoj

You're making the assumption that the Union understands what is in an individuals best interests better than that individual themselves.

That's certainly not the case in many examples. There are countless instances of union leadership being most interested in preserving their own or senior members positions/salaries at the expense of low ranking or new employees. Taking those employees hard earned dollars to 'sell them out' is a perfect example of an ethical failure.

As much as I disagree with public sector unions I don't think that you argue that their political contributions are increasing public sector employment and wages and at the same time argue that the union isn't representing its members on average.

During a period of layoffs you have to represent the average stakeholder and not every stakeholder so I disagree that they are selling out these employees. Also some random assertion of abuse is not evidence of abuse. And then you would still need to argue that on balance an employee who was harmed in a public union is worse off than if the union did not exist.

I think the real solution is to ban political donations of any kind and have the government fund elections. Money is not good in politics.

[GGG]

Originally Posted by Weitz

If I belonged to a Union (which I never would) I would be quite upset if my union was donating money to a political party I didn’t support.

Wouldn't them not donating to political parties be negligent? There job is specifically to improve your working conditions and Salary. If they aren't spending dues to create a favourable environment for the next labour negotiation they are not representing you.

There job isn't to create the Best Alberta or Canada possible. Their job is lookin out for your wage and benefits. So increasing taxes to increase your salary is in your best interest.

[AltaGuy]

I can’t see totals - what are the totals of business vs union contributions by province?

[iggy_oi]

Originally Posted by GGG

I think the real solution is to ban political donations of any kind and have the government fund elections. Money is not good in politics.

Or they could divide all contributions equally between all parties/candidates.

[flames_fan_down_under]

I’m a fireman, my union is awesome and represents my interests very well, we have a good relationship with the city and I am extremely happy with how my union dues are spent.

[blankall]

Originally Posted by flames_fan_down_under

I’m a fireman, my union is awesome and represents my interests very well, we have a good relationship with the city and I am extremely happy with how my union dues are spent.

I would assume that most union workers feel the same way. Job security, benefits, someone to argue for you if you are fired, etc....

My major issue with unions is that they create a massive barrier to entry into the workforce.

People do need to realize that the NDP is a labour party and not a true left wing party. They will put the interests of the unions over average citizens and typical left wing causes.

[FireGilbert]

I am skeptical about unions. I appreciate their historic influence in obtaining rights I now take for granted but in some cases the pendulum has swung too far to where their demands are killing manufacturing.

That said at the moment I love them. The union at work negotiated an extra day off after Easter which the company then granted to all employees. 5 day weekend for me yay!

[Makarov]

So, 20 of the ~120 listed donors were unions. The thread title seems a bit hyperbolic.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by iggy_oi

Or they could divide all contributions equally between all parties/candidates.

Might as well not give any money to parties then.

It makes sense that most unions would support labour parties, but I think at the very least, they should let individuals opt out and let them have their portion of dues allotted to different things.

Having said that, many unions make a lot of money from investments outside of actual union dues.

[Violator]

Kinda suprised how much the steelworkers have given seems kinda nuts.

[Makarov]

Originally Posted by FireGilbert

I am skeptical about unions. I appreciate their historic influence in obtaining rights I now take for granted but in some cases the pendulum has swung too far to where their demands are killing manufacturing.

Germany has more than double the unionization rate of Canada.