Posts

Reconsidering Automatic Union Dues Deductions for Political Purposes

In our current political landscape, the discussion surrounding unions' use of payroll-deducted dues for political purposes is gaining renewed attention. Critics argue that the automatic deduction of union dues that are subsequently used for political campaigning restricts individual agency and contributes to disproportionate political influence. This post advocates for a revision in policies to ensure fairness and respect for individual political preferences. Arguments Supporting the Prohibition of Automatic Union Dues Deductions for Political Purposes: Logical arguments: Automatic deduction may infringe on individual political agency. Not all members may support the political causes funded by their dues. It's essential to ensure members' political contributions align with their beliefs. Supporting evidence (data, studies): Research by the Heritage Foundation outlines concerns regarding the existing union dues structure and its impact on political campaigns. Supporting bo...

We should require all union elections to use the secret ballot

Logical arguments: Secret ballots protect individuals from coercion and peer pressure, encouraging honest voting. They uphold democratic principles by ensuring that each member's vote is confidential and free from manipulation or retaliation. In a bid to protect workers' rights, labor unions can lead to the creation of many bureaucratic rules and regulations, potentially slowing down processes and leading to inefficiency.  Labor unions can discourage high performance. Since promotions and raises are often based on seniority rather than merit, there can be little incentive for workers to exceed expectations. Supporting evidence (data, studies): A 2019 study by Alexander Hertel-Fernandez, published in the American Journal of Political Science , suggests secret ballots can enhance political efficacy and promote civic engagement. Study by Hirsch (2004) shows that in heavily unionized industries, productivity can be lower due to more rigid work rules. Supporting books: "The S...