RE:RE:RE:DartI'm not a big fan of unions but recognize that they are needed and if it wasn't for them ALL workers in ALL industries would be making less than they are right now....even "highly skilled machinists"! (Are there any other kind? ;) ) Union members PAY into their pension fund their whole careers. They are required to and don't have a choice. A reason union pensions are "good" is contribution is mandatory and they are "locked in" funds that can't be withdrawn....ever!
There's 4 million unionized workers in Canada.....20% of Canadian workers get their paycheque from a government entity. The guy that plows the the snow off the highway or repairs the sewer on your street is unionized. The guy who climbs towers to work on high voltage lines is unionized. The guy who steers the ship through the St Lawrence Seaway is unionized.
The world is NOT black or white....it's all varying shades of GREY.
Seppelt wrote: "I am a simple retired tradesman with a very good UNION pension. I was one of those working"
I worked for a company who employed highly skilled machinists. Too bad they were not unionised, otherwise they would retire with a larger roof over their heads and an extra refrigerator full of food. No complaints, the company also employed a large number of engineers, technicians and support staff. Most enjoyed working and stayed until the retirement.
And I know a few ladies who spent their entire full time careers in fashion stores working hard to make a sale and earnsmall commission. They had no benefits and no sick days and their base salary is smaller than in government owned retail liquor stores. Scanning bottles must be a very hard job and needs special skills.
Most of the unionised jobs these days are in the public sector. Must be a very hard job working from home for the federal government.