Monday, July 12, 2010

Siding with the unions

From CNN.com:
Facing growing anti-immigrant rhetoric, the United Farm Workers union is challenging Americans to take their labor-intensive, low-paying farm jobs.

...

Through its Web site, at www.takeourjobs.org, the union promises to connect applicants with farm jobs in their area.

...

Most applicants quickly lose interest once the reality sinks in that these are back-breaking jobs in triple-digit temperatures that pay minimum wage, usually without benefits, according to the union. Some small farms are not required to pay minimum wage and in 15 states farms aren't required to offer workers' compensation. Despite the dismal job market in the U.S., where the unemployment rate is 9.5% and 14.6 million people are out of work, there have been few takers.
This reminds me of when Chris Christie said "you don't have to do it" to a teacher who was complaining about low pay. In this case, the union responds to those who have been whining about immigrants taking away jobs from Americans by saying, "if you really want these jobs, we will gladly help you find one of them".

Unions are usually about trying to limit competition in labor markets in an effort to keep wage rates artificially high. In this case, this union is doing the opposite. Good for them. From www.takeourjobs.com:
Farm workers are ready to welcome citizens and legal residents who wish to replace them in the field. We will use our knowledge and staff to help connect the unemployed with farm employers. Just fill out the form to the right and continue on to the request for job application.

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