Yes,but - we can't get complacent
Bill Detwiler wrote:
"I believe that ultimately, unions?IT or otherwise?are like every other safety measure: They offer security in exchange for freedom. A union can protect workers from unfair labor policies and guarantee a regulated pay scale, but these measures come at the cost of the individual's ability to control their own career.
The future of IT unions will depend on the industry's overall working conditions. Because unions are born out of necessity, if conditions in the IT industry degenerate to an unbearable state, workers could be willing to trade a little freedom for security. I don't believe we're there yet, but...we may be soon"
I was waiting for a statement such as this to appear. I agree that there is, at present, LESS of a clear case for IT unions - however, that can change. Right now, IT employees are in high demand. If that changes, so will the employees' range of opportunities, and the respect that management routinely affords them.
So - while IT unionsmay not be a necessity now, we ahould support them wherever there does seem to be a need (large operations like Amazon.com may be an example - also, any shops where management is clearly abusing its IT staff). There may come a time when we'll all need them.
I'd like to thank Bill for a well-reasoned and informative article.
For the record, I'm a member of DC47 of AFSCME. - Al Airone
