Continued existence of organized labor

Full Answer Section

Overall, it is difficult to say definitively whether outsourcing has been a driver for the continued existence of organized labor. Outsourcing has both positive and negative effects on unions, and the overall impact varies depending on the specific industry and country.

Here are some specific examples of the impact of outsourcing on organized labor:

• In the United States, the outsourcing of manufacturing jobs to China and other low-cost countries has led to a decline in the number of union members in the manufacturing sector. For example, the United Auto Workers (UAW) has lost over 500,000 members since the 1970s.
• However, the UAW has also been able to organize workers in outsourced jobs. For example, in 2014, the UAW organized workers at a Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which was previously considered to be a non-union plant.
• In the European Union, outsourcing has also led to a decline in the number of union members in some industries. For example, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has lost over 100,000 members in Europe since the 1990s.
• However, the IAM has also been able to organize workers in outsourced jobs. For example, in 2012, the IAM organized workers at a Boeing plant in Everett, Washington, which was previously considered to be a non-union plant.

Overall, the impact of outsourcing on organized labor is complex and varies depending on the specific industry and country. However, it is clear that outsourcing is one of the many challenges facing unions today.

How can unions respond to the challenge of outsourcing?

Unions can respond to the challenge of outsourcing in a number of ways:

• Organize workers in outsourced jobs. This can be difficult, but it is possible. Unions should focus on building relationships with workers and educating them about the benefits of unionization.
• Negotiate contracts with employers that protect jobs from being outsourced. Unions should demand that employers give them notice before outsourcing jobs and that they provide severance packages to workers who are laid off as a result of outsourcing.
• Advocate for policies that discourage outsourcing. Unions should lobby the government to pass laws that make it more difficult for companies to outsource jobs. For example, unions could support laws that require companies to pay a tax when they outsource jobs or that provide financial assistance to workers who are laid off as a result of outsourcing.

Conclusion

Outsourcing is a complex issue with a significant impact on organized labor. Unions are facing a number of challenges, including outsourcing, but they are also finding new ways to organize workers and protect jobs.

Sample Answer

Outsourcing has had a mixed impact on the continued existence of organized labor. On the one hand, outsourcing has led to the loss of many jobs that were previously held by union members. This has weakened unions and made it more difficult for them to negotiate for better wages and benefits.

On the other hand, outsourcing has also led to a renewed interest in unions among workers who are concerned about their jobs being outsourced. In some cases, unions have been able to organize workers in outsourced jobs and negotiate contracts with employers.