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Union reps are negotiators. They negotiate with the company management, primarily to increase worker pay. When a union rep brings up safety concerns, it's usu
by q1w2 4y ago
Union reps are negotiators. They negotiate with the company management, primarily to increase worker pay.
When a union rep brings up safety concerns, it's usually in the same conversation as employee pay, and the rep and company negotiate in that context to provide a solution for both issues.
The most safety concerns the union rep can cite - the greater leverage they have in salary negotiations.
This is why when a union says they've been bringing up safety concerns, you have to take it with a grain of salt.
...this issue is also why the government has moved most safety inspection responsibilities away from unions and towards government agencies, like OSHA.
- dariusj18 4y agoI think this is what many people don't understand about unions. They are not supposed to be the "good guys". They are the counter balance to corporations, and if there is anything we have (re)learned over the last few decades, it's that you don't find the center by starting your negotiations from it. The system is off balance because competing interests are supposed to create an equitable center.