What does a TRUMP presidency look like?

[Eddie Teach]

I miss the good old days of James Buchanan.

Have you been in Tim's time machine?

[Valmy]

No but I read about it.

[crazy canuck]

The relationship between US Unions and management was always extremely adversarial and hostile...or at least that is the reputation. In Germany both sides seem to get along better.

Unions in Germany are given significant legal rights and protections under the law.  Companies in Germany have a long history of dealing with unions as a stakeholder and so those relationships have developed within successful companies.  Something that is anathema to what seems to be the American view - on both sides.

[Oexmelin]

Contributing to the stagflation of the 70s then the shrinking and/or death of several industries later as foreign competition came on line.

Anything at all about reducing inequalities?

[DGuller]

The relationship between US Unions and management was always extremely adversarial and hostile...or at least that is the reputation. In Germany both sides seem to get along better.

Yeah, but is there anything structural in enforcing that?  When it comes to business world and dealings between potentially adversarial actors, I find incentives to be a more compelling explanation than merely a culture of goodwill.

[Jacob]

What role do you see for labor activism?

Contributing to the stagflation of the 70s then the shrinking and/or death of several industries later as foreign competition came on line.

In your view, has the labour movement contributed anything positive at all or is it purely, 100% a negative force?

[crazy canuck]

The relationship between US Unions and management was always extremely adversarial and hostile...or at least that is the reputation. In Germany both sides seem to get along better.

Yeah, but is there anything structural in enforcing that?  When it comes to business world and dealings between potentially adversarial actors, I find incentives to be a more compelling explanation than merely a culture of goodwill.

The relationship between US Unions and management was always extremely adversarial and hostile...or at least that is the reputation. In Germany both sides seem to get along better.

Unions in Germany are given significant legal rights and protections under the law.  Companies in Germany have a long history of dealing with unions as a stakeholder and so those relationships have developed within successful companies.  Something that is anathema to what seems to be the American view - on both sides.

[DGuller]

US unions had plenty of legal protections too in their heyday.  In fact, it's pretty hard to keep unions alive without legal protections.

[crazy canuck]

US unions had plenty of legal protections too in their heyday.  In fact, it's pretty hard to keep unions alive without legal protections.

What protections, beyond not actually being declared illegal are you thinking about?

In Germany Unions are essentially in the Boardroom.

[Berkut]

The relationship between US Unions and management was always extremely adversarial and hostile...or at least that is the reputation. In Germany both sides seem to get along better.

Yeah, but is there anything structural in enforcing that?  When it comes to business world and dealings between potentially adversarial actors, I find incentives to be a more compelling explanation than merely a culture of goodwill.

I think there is a pretty significant US mythology and political philosophy that is innately hostile to unions and labor in general on ideological grounds.

The cult of the business owner as the only relevant driver of progress is strong.

[Admiral Yi]

Anything at all about reducing inequalities?

Sure, some.  The seniority principle and protection of poor workers undercut meritocracy and the incentivization of performance.

[Admiral Yi]

In your view, has the labour movement contributed anything positive at all or is it purely, 100% a negative force?

Unions claim credit for the implementation of the 40 hour week, overtime, and child labor laws.  I don't know one way or another how much credit they deserve, but I think those are good laws.

Same question for you: has the labor movement contributed anything negative?

[DGuller]

US unions had plenty of legal protections too in their heyday.  In fact, it's pretty hard to keep unions alive without legal protections.

What protections, beyond not actually being declared illegal are you thinking about?

In Germany Unions are essentially in the Boardroom.

Protecting unions against busting or not forming.  Enforcement of unions contracts.  Union shop rules and ability to collect dues from all covered workers.  There is way more stuff, but I'm not a labor lawyer.

[Jacob]

In your view, has the labour movement contributed anything positive at all or is it purely, 100% a negative force?

Unions claim credit for the implementation of the 40 hour week, overtime, and child labor laws.  I don't know one way or another how much credit they deserve, but I think those are good laws.

Same question for you: has the labor movement contributed anything negative?

My question wasn't what the unions claim credit for - I'm well familiar with those claims. My question was which positive contributions - if any - you ascribe to the labour movement. Do you agree that the 40 hour week, overtime pay, and child labour laws are positive things and primarily due to the influence of the labour movement?

To answer your question: I think business-labour relations in the US are pretty acrimonious and frequently inefficient, and the labour movement definitely bear part responsibility for that. I agree that there unions can - and do - promote inefficiencies and protect workers from otherwise reasonable sanctions. Individual unions are also susceptible to straight up corruption (via organized crime or other means). Those are all negative IMO.

[Admiral Yi]

My question wasn't what the unions claim credit for - I'm well familiar with those claims. My question was which positive contributions - if any - you ascribe to the labour movement. Do you agree that the 40 hour week, overtime pay, and child labour laws are positive things

I think those are good laws.

and primarily due to the influence of the labour movement?

I don't know one way or another how much credit they deserve.