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Peeve of the Week: Us Against Them

November 14, 2008 Naturally, now that the election is over, many issues are emerging and ready for post-Bush scrutiny and debate. One bill in particular is being watched closely by supporters of the Employee Free Choice Act, which would make it easier for employees to unionize while also protecting them against retaliatory actions by “management” should they decide to do so.

I’m not sure how I feel about more unions though.  In the name of creating whole and inclusive environments, it seems so counter to, and potentially destructive of, the teamwork and collaboration necessary to forge ahead during these competitive times.  I guess I struggle with the idea that people can’t agree on a goal and then work collectively toward meeting it - together.  In my mind’s eye there is no need to have two such opposing forces working against each other, when in fact, theoretically everybody should want the same thing anyway, which should be success all around. 

So when I see the bickering and the self-serving and the me, me, me myopia, I feel fed up.  But on the other hand when I hear of abuses like those in the sweatshops or Walmart, then I say, “Sign me up.”  I guess the most discouraging part of the whole union issue is that human nature is such that we actually need them sometimes.  But when the pendulum swings so far the other way, that it acts more like a wrecker ball, then I’m afraid to say they do more harm than good.

Posted by Donna Flagg on November 14, 2008 | Comments (2)