Managing in Global Environment: Labor Unions, Rights, and Laws

This essay examines the role of labor unions in the modern global environment, highlighting their historical purpose of safeguarding worker interests and their evolution in response to strengthening labor laws. It discusses how unions now play a crucial role in issues such as company acquisitions, layoffs, and collective bargaining. The essay acknowledges the benefits of union representation in protecting worker rights but also points out potential drawbacks such as disruptive strikes and the influence of powerful minorities within the union. It emphasizes the need for continued relevance and democratization of labor unions while also addressing concerns about political affiliations and their potential misuse. The author agrees with the double-edged nature of labor unions, recognizing their benefits and limitations, and stresses the importance of limiting political intervention to ensure unions serve their intended objectives. Desklib provides access to similar essays and study tools for students.

MANAGING IN GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT
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MANAGING IN GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT
PART I
The original purpose behind the setting of labor union was to ensure that the common
interests of the workers were safeguarded. This was required in the backdrop of an
environment where the employment laws were still in their nascent stage. As a result, the
workers were in a vulnerable position and prone to exploitation by employers. Over the years,
a significant role has been played by unions with regards to development of various labor
laws besides ensuring that promotion of legitimate rights of the workers (Burchill, 2014).
Owing to a significant strengthening of labor laws over the years, the traditional
purpose of unions has undergone a change. In the modern world, there are larger issues such
as acquiring new companies, laying off workers or merging the company in which labor
unions play a crucial role of ensuring that the rights of the workers are safeguarded. Also,
they play a crucial role through collective bargaining regarding various issues (Goldman &
Corrada, 2018).
It is imperative to note that labor unions can safeguard interests of members through
representation. However, it can also lead to unwanted strikes which would have adverse
impact on the workers that rely on monthly salaries to meet their living expenses. The strikes
may sometimes be only a way to harass the management or highlight the concerns of a
section of the union which is a powerful minority. The labor unions have not outlived their
utility as there relevance continues to remain. While labor unions have indeed modified
themselves for the reformed role, more measures are required to ensure democratization of
these critical institutions (Carrell & Heavrin, 2013).

MANAGING IN GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT
PART II
I agree with the viewpoints expressed particularly with regards to how labor unions
tend to be a double edged sword with benefits and limitations. A key issue that has been
indicated is that there may be some members of the union who may not support the stance
assumed by the union. However, as long as the majority agrees with the stance taken, then
this should not be an issue as with regards to government policies and stance on various
issues, there is lack of conformity from every individual (Burchill, 2014).
Also, while historically the labor unions were more pivotal, the role played by these
institutions in the modern business world has undergone a transformation. In the
manufacturing sector, while employment conditions along with workplace environment are
driven by laws but there are strategic decisions regularly taken by business with implications
for workers. In such scenarios, labor unions may be relevant event in a manufacturing setting.
The issue of political affiliation raised is quite relevant as it can lead to misuse of unions as a
way to achieve political objectives rather than their intended objectives. As a result, attempts
should be made to limit political intervention (Goldman & Corrada, 2018).

MANAGING IN GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT
References
Burchill, F. (2014). Labour Relations (4th ed.). New York, NY:Palgrave McMillan
Carrell, M. R., & Heavrin, C. (2013). Labor relations and collective bargaining: Private and
public sectors (10th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Goldman, A. & Corrada, R. (2018). Labour Law in the USA (2nd ed.) London: Kluwer Law