Tim Utz's Views on Organizations and the Union World

A union is an association of people, groups or organizations, which pay dues for representation and free association within the organization. In turn the organization seeks common ground with other like minded bodies. 

People are surprised to learn the extent of unions including such business unions as American Medical Association, Associated Building Contractors, National Chamber of Commerce, Grocery Manufacturers of America, The Associated General Contractors of America.

Labor unions negotiated many new employee benefits programs over the years that are standard employer offered benefits in today’s workplace. Medical insurance, dental insurance, unemployment insurance, pension programs, paid holidays and vacations are just some labor union benefits now considered typical offerings with employment. Perhaps you work within an environment that isn't part of a labor union but you still receive the benefits of labor movements over the last 100 years -- take stock in blessings not earned.

Minnesota has a rich tradition of organized labor of which I am a proud 31 year standing member. The carpenters union in the metro area, local #87 in Saint Paul, has been good to me for a long time. For the most part, historically business and labor work together, each having a unique understanding and appreciation of the other. The Minnesota economy has benefited employing union members for decades. Today 19% of Minnesota “We the People” employees are unionized as members of the highly paid exceptionally skilled Minnesota workforce. Internationally the United States falls far behind countries like Denmark or Finland, the latter of which has 76% labor representation.