Why People Organize Into Unions (Employee Labor and Relations class) Human Resource Management - Assignment Example

Why People Organize Into Unions (Employee Labor and Relations Human Resource Management Why People Organize Into Unions (Employee Labor and Relations class) President Barack Obama in March 2009 stated, “We need to level the playing field for workers and unions that represent their interests, because we cannot have a strong middle class without a strong labor movement” (Strata Research, Inc., 2009). This statement by the President somehow summarizes why people organize into unions. Organized labor has several core functions which include safety, security, pay and benefits; ensuring jobs remain in the U.S.; having job security; and ensuring adequate pay and benefits (Strata Research, Inc., 2009). These are the main reasons why employees choose to organize into labor unions.

Workers believe that joining a union means a protection for their welfare. There are however some workers who choose not to join labor unions in the view that it may force American companies to just outsource job overseas and be free of the headaches brought about by labor unions (Strata Research, Inc., 2009). In the research conducted by Strata Research, their findings show that for employees who choose not to join unions, they believe that current employment laws are adequate to protect their rights while those who join unions view current employment laws as inadequate; thus, the need for additional protection through labor unions (2009).

The study further revealed that some workers perceive labor unions have become overly protective of employees’ rights by asking for higher salaries and more benefits, making American companies less competitive in the global market. There is strength in numbers. This is another reason why people organize unions. Most people are of the belief that they can get important protection and gain improved conditions better if they join together (Woodley & McGillivary, 2010). Some benefits and privileges are more difficult to obtain if an individual acts on his own rather than a group acting together.

There are different views with regards to joining a union. For others, it means having a voice in the community, government and the society as a whole. But still for others, joining a union is not a necessity because in their perception, there are already enough laws in place to safeguard their individual rights. Works Cited Strata Research, Inc. (2009). Organized labor union - awareness and perception. Retrieved 20 July 2011. http://www.stratasyndicated.com/docs/strata_brochure_lo.pdf Woodley & McGillivary. (2010). Organize a union.

Retrieved 20 July 2011. wmlaborlaw.com: http://www.wmlaborlaw.com/newdesign/page.php?id=20