Why do the Republicans hate labor unions so much ?

[steve2470]

Is it simply because labor unions demand better working conditions, decent benefits and higher/fair pay ? Is it because labor unions pose a threat to unlimited profits (which is a good thing, IMHO) ? Haven't some Republicans ever been IN a labor union that actually looked out for them ? Are all Republicans so stupid and short-sighted that they can't stand paying union dues in exchange for the long and short-term benefits ?

I've never been in a union, sadly (my profession desperately needed one), but even I see the value in unions. Thank you in advance.

[Jackpine Radical]

1. Labor unions are not only inconvenient to employers by driving up production costs, but

they are the only major source of money that comes from a source that exerts a leftward economic pull, i.e. supports common people against the corporatists. Wall Street finances Democrats too, but they don't do it with an interest in seeing working people do better.

[rock]

2. What does having a labor union imply?

If you have a labor union, why does it exist? Because the management will not otherwise treat the work force as human beings. In summary we have unions because management is pretty bad. Oh yes, then why do repiggies hate unions? Because they are saps.

[Panich52]

12. Right - working conditions & decent pay

My father was 'upper management.' (When I told him I was the shop steward he didn't talk to me the rest of the night.) On one debate he boasted that their new non-union plant was giving employees a host of benefits. When I countered that the only reason was to keep the union out by treating employees well, he just walked into the other room.

[rock]

14. Yes, it is in fact a shame

That management (who are people too) have to be forced to treat other people humanely. It may be the human condition.

[Basic LA]

3. Collectivism

They hate the rabble joining forces to gain power ( democracy ).

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

4. Most cons, even rank and file and borderline poor ones, miss slavery.

Not just to enslave minorities, but people in general.

If you have a boss who is a republican or teapartier, odds are very good this person gets pleasure out of making employee's uncomfortable, nervous, always unsure of their position in the company.

Many con bosses or business owners value controlling others over profit, or equal to it.

The idea that they cant decide EVERYTHING that happens to that person, including access to birth control, for instance, makes them crazy.

They hate working people, even though most of them are.

[TheCowsCameHome]

5. They see them as a threat to their profits

It's all about the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[procon]

6. Simple... They fund Democrats.

Cut off that reliable source of union campaign donations and the accompanying endorsements, and Republicans cripple their Democratic opponents ability to compete in the ever increasing demands for money to successfully run for any political office. So, fewer Democratic candidates, combined with the GOPs ongoing efforts to allow fewer Democratic voters, and it tips the odds of them putting more Republicans in office without breaking the bank.

[Arcadiasix]

16. This exactly

Remember in 2000 GWB tried to get union support. One union did support him. The carpenters I think. For the first two years the reps made more attempts but they failed. After that they wrote off trying to get union support and now are trying to destroy them. It's about money.

[on point]

7. Because corps do, and they told repukes what to think

The cult of the individual doesn't want any collective/community entities or actions

[elleng]

8. Power.

No 'power sharing.'

[Starry Messenger]

9. Some Democrats do too, sadly.

Some Republicans are in unions, and actually think that voting for trickle-down policy/politicians will help labor. *facepalm*

The underlying cause of what you're talking about though, always seems to boil down to racism. Or some fond belief that some people are too lazy to benefit from the "meritocracy," and need a union to protect their non-productive hides.

Also, the right-wing paranoia that statists want to control all aspects of life of the freedom-loving people of America. Dip your toe into reading any of that horseshit, and you'll see that they blame any and all labor, LGBT, Civil Rights, or any other progressive reform that isn't some patriarchal free-market bullshit on Communism.

That's why I get irate when I see people who claim to be liberals throwing unions under the bus. You want to live life in a Republican wet dream? Sure, eradicate unions and make the whole country RTW. Good job, hoss. Enjoy your privatized water and air.

[steve2470]

10. excellent points

ALL Democrats should be very much pro-labor unions. Indeed, EVERYONE should be.

[Starry Messenger]

13. Thank you!

Nothing sets me off faster than a DUer coming on here and pushing a right-wing agenda on unions.

[steve2470]

15. I went over to Discusssionist (yea yea I know) and....

you'd think labor unions were the enemy of the people, the way they talk.

Amazing. I bet the large corporations LOVE Discussionist. Great place for their talking points.

[Panich52]

11. Apostle of trickle diwn, StRonnie, was pres of SAG

Then he drank the koolaid and went all RW. And Repubs still can't see that trickle down is really just a 'golden shower'