Running a business is more expensive than ever, and there is no end in sight for rising costs.
Business expenses have risen significantly over the past six years. Supply chain disruptions that began during the 2020 global pandemic continue to affect the supply chain. More recently, both public and private unions have added further challenges to controlling business costs.
There is no question that labor unions, notably in the construction and industrial sectors, played a vital role in improving safety issues and working conditions during the late 19th century and into the early 20th century.
Northeastern steel workers, along with West Virginia coal miners, are prime examples of two groups that sought union representation when working conditions became untenable. Through strikes and strong negotiations, labor leaders secured stability and improved working conditions for thousands of employees.
However, union membership has declined significantly over the past several decades. Improved working conditions and increased earnings opportunities are key factors. Federal and state agencies, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), require businesses to maintain safe workplaces.
Today, market conditions determine hourly and salaried pay scales. Positions requiring extensive training or specialized knowledge typically offer higher wages. Roles with fewer qualified applicants also command higher pay than those with larger applicant pools.
The question I ask myself is: How can we, as business leaders, improve working conditions to the point where unions are not needed anymore and not even talked about as an option?
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