I know this is a sensitive issue, but feel someone should explain, without rancour, that Trades Unions in the UK cannot be equated in any way with the 'union' in the US. UK Unions do no more than negotiate terms of employment for their members, [ ie. the employees ], with the management or owners' of companies, on subjects such as pay, pensions, redundancy situations, manning, retraining, local or national disputes, safety etc.; and they also are committed to educational courses and sponsorships to universities. It is illegal for them to take any action [ on strikes or stoppages ] without secret balloting of their members and gaining a majority mandate for specific actions.
It is also illegal to discriminate between union-members and non-members in any organisation, which is why schuby19 questioned whether it was a 'big issue' in the US .
UK unions do not organise labor; if you want a job, you find it yourself. The UK unions were at one time, historically, closely allied with the Labour Party, [ ie. Tony Blair's party ]. This is also less of an issue now, some unions support Liberals others the Conservatives, with donations, which by the way are open and tranparent to all. All part of how the Brits fund their democratic parties- nothing sinister. I wouldn't say the UK unions are dead- just more sensible and realistic as to the economic realities of the global economy!
Alan
