More Popular Than Hot Dogs - Labor Unions and Value(s)

Historically, when we talked about labor unions, the word that first came to mind was solidarity. After all, this unity amongst individuals with common goals and interests is key to making gains in the workplace and political arenas.. As the quote widely attributed to Benjamin Franklin explains, "we must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately."

Solidarity is still the foundation for organized labor. But like the foundation of a house, solidarity doesn't usually stand out. It’s necessary to build a strong and lasting structure, but it isn't what's selling the property - it doesn't add much curb appeal.

Lately, there’s been a shift in the key word when we think about unions. That word is value.

Value is a word with several meanings that all apply when talking about unions. The first, as described by the Oxford Languages Dictionary, using it as the plural noun "values," explains the level of regard that something is held based on its importance, merit, or worth of something. And that level of regard seems to be higher than ever.

As of an August 2022 Gallup poll, 71% percent of Americans approve of labor unions. I mean, only 70% of Americans approve of hot dogs. So 71% is pretty good! And that is up from 48% in 2009. It's the highest Gallup recorded on this topic in over fifty years. The percentage of workers in a union is still significantly lower than in the past. More than 20% of workers were unionized in 1983. However, these numbers have been trending higher recently, with 10.8% of the workforce unionized - the highest share since 2016.

Another usage of the word "values" that applies in the case of labor unions involves principles, ethics, and standards. These factors are vital to fostering and maintaining trust amongst members and the public. For public employee unions – especially those representing public safety workers - these things are not just important; they are absolutely critical! After all, public sector jobs only exist because the public supports them and allows them to be filled. Public employees are entrusted to be good stewards of public resources. They must work hard to earn and maintain that trust!

Tied in with that is value in the sense of cost – actual dollars and cents. Are employers in the private or tax-payer-supported public sectors getting a good deal from their employees? This requires employees to be professional, reliable, and productive. If employees aren't living up to their end of the bargain, there’s no drive for employers to continue employing them.

On top of these public perceptions of value, unions themselves have to show value to their members.

In the days since the "Janus" decision, employees have more rights than ever to choose whether they want to unionize or not. Unions now have to show that being a member has value. Their members need to know that dues are being well-invested and are helping to fight and provide for their on-duty and off-duty needs!

Unions are proving to be valued by the public at record high rates. Members must continually work to uphold ethical values as both employees and members of their organizations. This also goes for cost and production value to their employers. Unions must uphold these same values and prove value to their members.

Solidarity is still the foundation of the house. But value is what gives unions their curb appeal!

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Jim Aleski is a 25-year fire service veteran and career Lieutenant in the Cherry Hill (NJ) Fire Department outside of Philadelphia. Jim serves as a Branding and Content Specialist at NEP Services and formerly served as the Communications/Social Media Director for the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ), the state affiliate of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). Prior to becoming a career firefighter, Jim responded as a volunteer while working for more than a decade as a media producer. Jim was involved in the production of hundreds of national TV commercials, network branding campaigns, music videos, and corporate communication projects. Jim holds a BS in Mass Communications from Emerson College and earned a MS in Fire and Emergency Management Administration from Oklahoma State University.