Democrat's Apathy For Unions Is Suicide

[WillTwain]

209. You sound satisfied. I am happy for you.

I agree that the quality of young workers cannot carry the water for generations that preceded them (like that carry the water reference, that is pure construction lingo, apprentices literally carried journeymen's water 50 years ago). My experience tells me it is a societal issue. Millenials have less humility and higher expectations of themselves. I am referring to self-image not financial success. They generally struggle embracing the self-identity of "grunt." There is something about being from an older generation that makes sticking your face into the wind and denying the physical abuses that are endured every day, every hour seem natural. The older guys than me were tougher than my generation. They can probably say that about the generation before them,too. We, Americans, are growing soft. It was always disheartening to see a 20-something leaning on a shovel while some arthritic 45 year-old, coming off of joint surgery was down in the whole tossing dirt and grunting with every toss.

Regarding "lazy" union workers, that is a right-wing bumper sticker, nothing more. I have been out of the trades for some time, but still maintain friendships. A buddy of mine (union) has had a bitch of a time working steady in the union - lots of tramping. He has resorted to working non-union a few times to keep it together. So, anecdotally through his experience working for both sides, He insists union guys work way, let me change that to WAY harder than non-union workers. The reason is the competitive landscape forces the result. Considering the enormous difference in total compensation - sometimes nearly double - the only way to compete is to work harder and smarter.

In fact, He has said, "If it was not for the money, he would quit and work non-union because you do not beat yourself up as much." Generally, this guy is an electrician, the skill level is much higher, too. This is simply the nature if the work: industrial, commercial, controls, power plants, drilling, towers, etc., vs. residential and small retail remodeling. This is changing but still reality.

Another thing to ponder, unions produced its best young men when they dominated the market. Why? There was more time in the day for training and mentoring. It is what you say made you what you are - great mentors. Today, with the assault on unions by republicans that I wrote of in a previous comment, there is no time for mentoring. Apprentices are thrown to the wolves, sink or swim. This is a fatal flaw not only for the trades but across the American worker's landscape. We live in the most capitalistic country on earth and are paying an awful, dreadful price for it. Everything is so bottom line driven today that ancient skills and tricks are not being passed down. This is yet another reason why the unions of old had it all figured out. That approach made for better men in more ways than can be imagined -self confidence, mutual respect, friendships, and much more was gained in the humanities department. The apprenticeship system came from a long tested history in Europe - hundreds of years. This is sorely missed in all occupations. Work for most Americans is a 40 hour a week mosh pit.

Finally, unions made the middle-class. Period. As they die, so does the middle-class. I was serious about the living in your truck comment. i know non-union guys that are 35 that look 65 - no teeth, super glue holding cuts together, grey skinned and worn down, living in tents and trucks, eating road food because they cannot afford to pay the rent and own a stove. I have seen the difference between union and non-union in my life. It is not a pretty comparison. You may be an exception, but it is always smarter to look at the rule. The rule: One day we will all lament the death of unions.

Good luck.