The Positive & Negative Effects of Labor Unions on the United States Research Paper

The Positive & Negative Effects of Labor Unions on the United States Economy - Research Paper Example Households that have current union members positively view labor unions as having positive effects on American economy than those with former union members and those who have never been union members. People in different income levels observe that unions have positive effects on members’ benefits, working conditions and salary. On the other hand, the bureau for statistics for US says that households in current unions also believe that unions have a positive impact in workplace and US economy. 48% of union household members agree to this, while 34% of the former union members oppose it. In the US, workers who are members of unions receive more benefits at the cost of those who have no unions. However, it has been discovered that unions are fighting for the rights of member workers, but at the same time trying to reap large bundles of their own benefits. The worst problem is that this reduces the competitiveness of US companies in global markets and consequently the economy (Thomas, John, & Valletta, 2004). The authors further state that the benefits of union workers are derived from bargaining power of the union, monopoly, and the face of collective voice. It is clearly evident that labor unions are mainly good for US workers as opposed to the competitiveness of the economy. A research presented by Bureau of Statistics for US in 2009 shows that the rating in favor of labor unions is 45% and though at a low level, it is an expression of a positive view. The rating for business corporations is 47% which also indicates a favorable impression; drop is about a historic low. The expression of American view of labor union’s effects on wages and working conditions are mixed. 53% of them believe that they positively affect union workers’ benefits and salaries, while 17% argue that they have negative effects. The table below shows the declining