Labor Unions, Necessary Tool or Outdated Setback?
             I chose this subject based on the demographic area in which we live. The city of Detroit happens to be the "Motor City Capital of the World". Because of the nature of my degree and the potential opportunities to work in the automotive industry, I decided to explore this topic for academic growth and personal gain.
             I must admit that I enter this subject with a certain level of bias towards the use of labor unions. As the son of a retired General Motor employee, I have reaped the benefits of labor contracts throughout my life. Not only did my father's employment pay him far above the national average, it also came with several perks, to include a substantial tuition reimbursement program.
             As I venture out into a professional career, I can really see the importance of good benefits. The benefits of my father's era are currently unsurpassed by any offers I have received. With that said, I can understand why labor unions put the United States in jeopardy of losing their competitive edge.
             Historically, labor and trade unions were founded with the intent of increasing wages and improving working conditions. Unions used the idea of uniting employees together in order to make their voices heard. Employees are generally seen as dispensable. When several employees ban together their unified voice has great power.
             During the Great Depression, employees were forced to undercut each others wage requirements in order to find work. Employees sold themselves for pennies on the dollar just to maintain the basic necessities. They also put in nearly 80 hour work weeks, nearly doubling the current average. In addition, employees were forced to work in dangerous and deplorable work sites with minimal safety equipment or protection.
             In their time, labor and trade union fought for their members to be treated humanely. Employers used hard times to th...