The Best Protection for Your Job

I have been reading with interest about the public workers unions’ demonstrations in Ohio and Wisconsin. The public union and collective bargaining battles are actually spreading across the United States. With money not available to provide the benefits which had been expected and with the opportunity to strike being threatened, these public demonstrations are cause for concern. Change is in the wind. These demonstrations are reminiscent of the workers’ strikes in the 1930’s. Those strikes led to the founding of the American labor union movement, the most notable union becoming the AFL-CIO with its well-known spokesman, John L. Lewis. Just as those strikes changed the face of American labor, so do these current strikes speak of change that is looming. And, be assured, it is looming.

I have been wondering about the future of labor unions. If they continue to exist (I think they will), what form will they take? Of course, if they become extinct - well, the question becomes moot, doesn’t it?

Most laborers in “the rank and file” – the ones who do the physical work – paid some pretty hefty dues to support the union bosses – the ones who do the negotiating and provide information to the press. During the time of union prosperity, the rank and file made decent wages and the bosses became wealthy. At least, that was the talk around my boyhood home, near Akron, Ohio where the URW (United Rubber Workers) were headquartered. A sad thing has happened however. The rubber workers have disappeared from Akron and the URW was swallowed up by the United Steel Workers in the 1990s. Perhaps they overreached. Good wages and outstanding benefits being paid, along with the job protection afforded loafers invited foreign competition. And foreign competition, especially from Asia and South America, meant lower prices for the consumer. How could Akron with its cost of labor compete against an Asian or South American company that paid its worker a pittance in comparison? Why not take the factory where you can pay for cheap labor? If not to a foreign company, then at least move the factory to a “right to work” (workers not forced to join unions) state. That way the company can compete.

Overreaching could happen to the public workers unions also. Let’s face it. Some things have to change.
Mediocre workers can no longer be paid the same as productive ones. The unions can no longer afford to foist this economic policy on Americans. This applies to public workers as well as those employed in the private sector. Firemen who can’t fight fires and policemen who won’t police need to be replaced. Poor teachers in the schools have got to go, making room for teachers who prepare their lessons and challenge the students to learn. Bringing it home, mediocrity in the pastoral ministry should end also (pastors have no union, but should work diligently, too). People need to take pride in their work and need to work at their work. Employees need to see employers as partners, not as adversaries. Employers and management need to treat employees and workers well, knowing that apart from the person “on the floor”, there will be no business and no job for anyone.

But wait a minute. Does all that ranting sound like it comes from the First Century? Maybe even from the Bible?
“Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism. Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven” (Colossians 3:22-4:1).

In those words are bits of wisdom for you and me. Seek high standards of reliability. Work hard and be a producer. Keep in mind that the annual review is not as significant as the eternal review – you are working “as for the Lord, not for men.” Increased productivity and honest, diligent work is what God wants from us all.

These principles provide economic success and economic success is…

the best protection for your job.