Go to the Forums or Chat . Whether unions are a healthy force in industry depends on one's perspective.
Union leaders say it's the only guaranteed way to make sure employees' voices are truly heard.
Mr. Hilbish said the benefits of unionization are higher wages, better benefits, earlier retirement and better working conditions. Collective bargaining can be a powerful force, he said, but unions are effective even when group bargaining is disallowed by law. He said unions can provide legal advice and monitor industry trends to give workers solid facts to present when approaching management. But managers say unions are hardly ever a win-win situation. Whitworth, retired vice president of administration at the nonunion DSM Chemicals in Augusta, said he's worked for union and nonunion shops.