History and State of the Unions

Labor unions in the United States have been influential in advocating for workers' rights and improving working conditions. However, detractors and opponents have raised several criticisms and concerns about labor unions, particularly focusing on issues of corruption, criminal behavior, and undue influence. The bad and harm far outweigh the good they've done. ~15 years ago I worked on the Kroger/Ralphs Walkouts with the The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) who is a labor union made up of 1.3 million hard-working men and women in the U.S. and Canada. The Kroger Company is the largest supermarket chain in the United States by revenue and has been for several decades. The work has been well documented on all national and International news affiliates. I advised the CEO of Kroger SW division and communicated to all of the 255 stores employees in the region and some outside the region at supermarket chains like King Soopers (Colorado) and Ralphs (West Coast) and more.

I did this work with facts, education and in every form of digital, print, web and intranets, training videos and respect for the workers and the business. Aside from that I have done Employee Experience and internal communications and design, and Organizational Design for 20 of my 33 year career. I've had many success stories and data to support the work, including awards for recruitment design and employee branding, e-learning and communications. I've also dealt with healthcare workers striking at several of the largest healthcare systems in the United States. One of the things that was most concerning to me about learning about how the Unions operate is that they lie to workers about power, dues, expectations of you that you will strike no matter what, if they tell you to.

Fun fact: on April 13, 1930: On his first walkout/strike action, a 17-year-old James R. Hoffa led his co-workers at a Kroger warehouse in Clinton, Indiana, in a successful job action. By refusing to unload a shipment of perishable strawberries, they forced the company to give in to their demands.

So what's my concern about the current narrative? Well, people writing books to fluff their own narcissistic egos about you deserving a union and those who push these ideas with zero context or knowledge of the history of them. Without a single shred of experience with Unions nor have they ever even been in one, are advising you and I and all workers to unionize. And whilst these things 'feel good' to us emotionally to fight back and rage against the machine, I see nothing more in some of these individuals than fanning discord, derision and chaos, having zero background in this space. And not fully educating people about this complex eco system of dysfunction and misinformation. But their goal isn't righteousness or truth telling and they are NOT looking out for you. They're trying to sell books and fan the flames of their Whacktivism and egos.

Here is a summary of a lot of people's concerns:

Corruption and Criminal Behavior

• Organized Crime Influence: Some labor unions have been linked to organized crime, particularly in industries such as construction, waste management, and trucking. One of the most notorious examples is the relationship between the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and organized crime families. The Teamsters, once led by Jimmy Hoffa, were involved in various criminal activities, including embezzlement, bribery, and mafia connections.
• Fraud and Embezzlement: There have been numerous cases where union leaders have been caught embezzling funds. For example, the United Auto Workers (UAW) faced a significant scandal where top officials were convicted of stealing millions of dollars in union funds for personal luxuries.
• Coercion and Intimidation: Some unions have been accused of using coercive tactics to force workers to join or stay in unions. This includes intimidation of non-union workers, as well as threats and violence against those who oppose union activities.

Political Influence and Lack of Transparency

• Political Corruption: Critics argue that unions have too much political power, often using union dues to support political candidates and causes without proper consent from members. This has led to concerns about lack of transparency and accountability in how union funds are used.
• Opposition to Right-to-Work Laws: Unions have strongly opposed right-to-work laws, which allow workers to opt-out of joining or paying dues to a union. Critics argue that unions fight these laws to maintain their power and financial stability, often at the expense of workers' freedom of choice.

Declining Relevance and Membership

• Resistance to Change: Detractors claim that unions are resistant to necessary reforms and modernization, which makes them less relevant in today's economy. They argue that unions often focus more on protecting the interests of older workers at the expense of younger or non-unionized workers.
• Declining Membership: Union membership has been declining for decades, particularly in the private sector. Critics see this as evidence that unions are becoming obsolete and out of touch with the needs of the modern workforce.

Specific Instances of Criminal Behavior

• The Teamsters and Organized Crime: The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has been historically linked to organized crime, with leaders like Jimmy Hoffa being involved in illegal activities, including the misuse of pension funds and connections to the Mafia.
• United Auto Workers Scandal: Several top officials from the UAW, including its former presidents, were convicted of embezzling millions of dollars from the union. This money was used for personal expenses, such as luxury travel, golf, and expensive cigars.
• LIUNA (Laborers' International Union of North America): LIUNA has faced accusations of being infiltrated by organized crime, leading to federal oversight and efforts to purge corrupt elements within the union.

Opponents’ Arguments

• Economic Harm: Critics argue that unions can hurt the economy by driving up wages and benefits to unsustainable levels, leading to job losses and reduced competitiveness of American businesses.
• Job Loss and Outsourcing: High union demands have sometimes been blamed for companies moving jobs overseas or automating to cut labor costs.
• Protecting Inefficiency: Detractors claim that unions protect underperforming workers, making it difficult for employers to implement necessary changes or lay off unproductive employees.

Here are specific instances where labor unions have been accused of harming workers (There are MANY of these):

Hostess Brands Bankruptcy (2012)

• Details: Hostess Brands, the company behind iconic products like Twinkies and Wonder Bread, filed for bankruptcy and ceased operations in November 2012. The company’s management blamed its financial struggles on high labor costs and inflexible union work rules. The Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM), which represented many of Hostess's workers, went on strike in response to proposed cuts to wages and benefits.
• Impact on Workers: The strike, combined with the company’s financial difficulties, ultimately led to the closure of Hostess Brands. As a result, approximately 18,500 workers lost their jobs, and the company was liquidated. While some workers were rehired when the brand was revived by new owners, many lost their jobs permanently due to the shutdown.

General Motors (GM) Flint Sit-Down Strike (1936-1937)

• Details: The Flint Sit-Down Strike, which took place from December 1936 to February 1937, was one of the most significant labor strikes in American history. The strike was organized by the United Auto Workers (UAW) and targeted General Motors (GM) plants in Flint, Michigan. While the strike led to significant gains for the union, including recognition and better working conditions, it also had unintended negative consequences for some workers.
• Impact on Workers: The strike led to violence and clashes with police, resulting in injuries and the loss of income for many workers during the strike period. Additionally, the aggressive tactics used during the strike, including factory occupations, led to long-term resentment among some workers and managers. Some workers who opposed the strike or were caught in the middle were left without pay for weeks, causing financial hardship for their families.

The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) and the Pittston Coal Strike (1989-1990)

• Details: The Pittston Coal Strike, led by the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), took place between April 1989 and February 1990. The strike began after Pittston Coal Company cut health benefits for retirees, widows, and disabled miners. The union responded with a strike, and the conflict escalated, including acts of civil disobedience and confrontations with law enforcement.
• Impact on Workers: The strike caused significant economic hardship for the miners and their families, as they went without pay for nearly a year. While the strike eventually led to a settlement, many miners faced financial ruin during the extended period without income. Additionally, the strike did not fully restore the benefits that had been cut, leaving some workers with diminished health coverage. The long and contentious strike also left divisions within the workforce, with some workers feeling that the union’s tactics were too extreme and had caused unnecessary hardship.

These instances illustrate situations where union actions, while often intended to protect workers, led to unintended negative consequences, including job losses, financial hardship, and internal divisions among the workforce.

The development of Las Vegas as a major gambling and entertainment hub in the mid-20th century is closely linked to organized crime, particularly the Mafia, and their exploitation of union resources, including construction loans from the Teamsters Union. Here's how the Mafia and organized crime groups played a key role in building Las Vegas using these funds:

The Role of the Mafia in Las Vegas

• Mafia Influence in Gambling: The Mafia saw the potential for enormous profits in the gambling industry and began investing heavily in Las Vegas in the 1940s and 1950s. Organized crime figures, particularly from New York, Chicago, and other major cities, were behind many of the early casinos in Las Vegas, either directly or through frontmen.
• Key Figures: Some of the prominent Mafia figures involved in Las Vegas include Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky, and the Chicago Outfit led by men like Tony Accardo and Sam Giancana. Bugsy Siegel is famously associated with the development of the Flamingo Hotel, one of the first major casinos on the Las Vegas Strip.

Teamsters Union Loans

• Teamsters Central States Pension Fund: The Teamsters Union, led by Jimmy Hoffa, played a crucial role in financing the construction of Las Vegas casinos. The Central States Pension Fund, which was controlled by the Teamsters, was a massive pool of money funded by union members' pension contributions. Hoffa and other union leaders had significant control over how this money was invested.
• Loans to Mafia-Backed Projects: Instead of using the pension fund to benefit union members, large sums of money were loaned to Mafia-connected individuals and businesses to finance the construction of hotels and casinos in Las Vegas. These loans were often given on highly favorable terms, with little expectation of repayment, as long as the Mafia could skim profits from the casinos.

Skimming Operations

• Casino Skimming: The Mafia would "skim" money from the casino revenues before the profits were officially reported. This meant that a portion of the profits would be taken off the top and sent back to Mafia bosses in cities like Chicago and Kansas City, avoiding taxes and legal scrutiny. The skimming operations were central to the Mafia's control over Las Vegas casinos.
• Examples of Mafia-Controlled Casinos: Some of the casinos built and operated with Teamsters loans and Mafia involvement included the Stardust, the Tropicana, the Desert Inn, and the Riviera. These casinos were significant revenue generators for organized crime, both through legitimate operations and skimming.

Law Enforcement Crackdown

• FBI Investigations: By the 1970s, the federal government began cracking down on organized crime's influence in Las Vegas. The FBI launched extensive investigations into skimming operations and the misuse of union funds. These investigations eventually led to convictions of key Mafia figures and corrupt union officials.
• Impact on Las Vegas: The crackdown on organized crime in the 1980s, along with changes in gaming regulations and corporate takeovers, significantly reduced the Mafia's influence in Las Vegas. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, most of the Mafia-controlled casinos had been sold to legitimate corporations, transforming Las Vegas into a more corporate and regulated industry.

That's right kids, the land of prostitution, gambling, drugs and huge profits for organized crime was built on Union -no interest pension loans. If you really want some fun facts, go read about the Mafia, Federal Government and the Bay of Pigs and why Kennedy was assassinated for not delivering Vegas Part II, AKA Cuba. The development of Las Vegas was heavily influenced by organized crime, with the Mafia using construction loans from the Teamsters Union to build casinos that they controlled. Jimmy Hoffa and countless others were murdered because of this 'business.'These casinos became major revenue sources for the Mafia through skimming operations. The use of union pension funds for these ventures represented a significant abuse of power, ultimately leading to legal crackdowns and a shift in control of Las Vegas from organized crime to corporate ownership.

Some of the Good Unions have done

So what are some of the great things Unions have done? It isn't all bad right? Of course not. Labor unions have played a pivotal role in shaping labor laws and improving working conditions in the United States. Here are five specific instances of significant achievements by unions:

Establishment of the 40-Hour Workweek (1938)

• Details: The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938, which established the 40-hour work week, minimum wage, and overtime pay, was heavily influenced by the labor movement. Unions like the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) advocated for these protections. The FLSA was a landmark law that fundamentally changed the work-life balance for millions of American workers.
• Impact: The establishment of the 40-hour workweek has become a standard in the United States, ensuring that workers are not overworked and have time for rest and leisure. It also set the stage for further labor protections and improvements in working conditions.

Passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1970

• Details: Unions were instrumental in the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This law was a response to the growing concerns about workplace safety and health hazards. Unions like the United Auto Workers (UAW) and the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) were key advocates for the law.
• Impact: OSHA established national standards for workplace safety, significantly reducing workplace injuries and deaths. It empowered workers to demand safer working conditions and provided mechanisms for enforcement and accountability.

Abolition of Child Labor (1938)

• Details: The same Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938 that established the 40-hour workweek also included provisions to abolish child labor. Unions had long campaigned against the exploitation of children in factories, mines, and other industries. The National Child Labor Committee, supported by unions, played a crucial role in advocating for these protections.
• Impact: The abolition of child labor ensured that children were no longer subjected to dangerous and exploitative working conditions. It allowed children to focus on education and development, contributing to the long-term social and economic progress of the country.

Winning Healthcare Benefits and Pensions for Workers

• Details: Unions have been at the forefront of negotiating for employer-provided healthcare benefits and pensions. The United Auto Workers (UAW), for example, secured comprehensive healthcare benefits for its members in the 1940s and 1950s through collective bargaining with major automakers like General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler.
• Impact: These negotiations set a precedent for employer-provided healthcare and pensions, which became standard benefits for millions of American workers. These benefits have provided financial security and access to healthcare for generations of workers and their families.

The Civil Rights Movement and Labor Unions (1960s)

• Details: Labor unions, particularly the AFL-CIO, played a supportive role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. Union leaders like A. Philip Randolph, who was a key figure in the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, were instrumental in organizing the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech.
• Impact: The collaboration between labor unions and civil rights organizations helped advance the cause of racial equality and justice in the United States. It also led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

There are many moments in the history of Unions in the United States that have done good for workers. These instances highlight the significant and positive impact that labor unions have had on American society, improving working conditions, securing benefits, and advancing social justice. So, while unions have played a crucial role in advancing workers' rights, the concerns raised by opponents focus on issues of corruption, inefficiency, and undue influence, which we can argue undermine the unions' positive contributions. We also need to be conizant of our current state, which is some of these things have lead to complacency, entitlement and laziness.

We are not competing with China, Philippines and India. And much of our work is outsourced to these countries who not only work hard but they also have little to no, oversight and push slave labor, child labor and grueling work environments and experiences. This is a complex topic that requires holistic systems thinking to provide better employee experiences using Organizational Design and Theory, to understand incentives in value chains, rewards, benefits and how power works, we can arm ourselves with information to make informed decisions.

Hi, my name is Thomas and I do this work. I don't say silly things online to sell books, templates and speaking engagements. I have no agenda and nothing to sell you and my information is free to all who will listen.