To what degree, if any, do you believe that unions are responsible for their poor image in the minds of millions of nonunionized Americans?
Before this week’s discussion, I had little knowledge about unions and knew nothing about the “poor image” that the question refers to. I have never worked for a private company because I joined the military upon high school graduation. Based on the information we have read and discussed in the last three weeks, I thought unions were doing great things for the workers who had no power to fight for a higher wage, a safe working environment, and other related benefits. Unfortunately, my impression of the unions is inaccurate.
According to the unionfacts.com website, leaders of the unions “continue to violate the trust of the members they claim to represent,” from penny-ante theft to multi-million dollar embezzlement schemes. (Crime and Corruption, n.d., para. 1). Many leaders “have been convicted of embezzlement, corruption, racketeering, or engaging in organized crime.” (Crime and Corruption, n.d., para. 3). Between 2000-2019, the Office of Labor-Management Act’s (LMRDA) investigation led to 2,297 indictments and 2166 convictions. Thus, unions are 100 percent responsible for their poor image in the minds of millions of nonunionized Americans since the leaders did not have time to focus on doing their jobs to maximize the workers’ benefits.
What steps would you take to rectify poor public relations that unions have with many segments of the general populations? Or, do you believe that perceptions of unions are generally positive by majority of population?
Despite the union’s poor image, approximately 55 percent of the U.S. population holds a favorable view of unions compared to 33 percent who have an unfavorable view, according to a Pew Research Center survey in 2018. (Desilver, 2018). Thus, unions can rectify poor public relations if they are willing to rebuild that trust. Below are some of the steps that they can utilize. First and foremost, unions should hire a PR professional to resolve the issues. Next, the unions need to develop a plan to fix the “poor image” and then rebuild the unions’ brand or image by telling the truth, emphasizing the benefits that unions have accomplished for their members, and amplifying it.
Additionally, unions must be accountable, honest, and authentic to the general public. It is not a bad idea to apologize and acknowledge their illegal actions. Finally, unions or PR personnel should have a candid conversation or press conference with different groups such as union members, government, and employers. (13 Ways For Companies, 2021, June 25).
References:
Crime and corruption. (n.d.). Unionfacts.com. Retrieved 8 June, 2022, from https://www.unionfacts.com/article/crime-and-corruption/
Desilver, D. (2018, August 30). Most Americans view unions favorably, though few workers belong to one. Pew Research Center. Retrieved 8 June, 2022, from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/08/30/union-membership-2/
13 ways for companies to successfully recover from bad press. (2021, June 25). Forbes. Retrieved 8 June, 2022, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2021/06/25/13-ways-for-companies-to-successfully-recover-from-bad-press/?sh=497737357247
