Mobility is the hallmark of a skilled techie. The ITAA's study found that hiring managers in IT companies expect the average technical support worker to stay on board a mere 22 months before moving on to greener pastures. In non-IT companies, these experts are expected to peel off after just two and a half years. Technology workers believe in themselves and their abilities. Many techies choose to be consultants or independent contractors, rejecting a single employer, let alone a union card.
Unions have their place.
But for today's high-tech workers, union membership would minimize job flexibility, reduce the ability to negotiate wages and stifle the creativity that has made the U.S. IT industry the world leader. High-tech workers have consistently rejected efforts to organize them and will continue to frown upon unions as a useful or desirable move. Related links Miller is president of the ITAA, a trade association representing the U.S. IT industry. The opposing view By Mike Blain, president of WashTech, a Seattle affiliate of the Communications Workers of America. Add your comments to the thread Apply for your free subscription to Network World.