How does membership in a trade union automatically mean?

Do trade unions apply force to bargain?

• People talk a lot about busting the trade unions and letting the free market reign in manufacturing industries. I argue that free market is a manifestation of freedom of contract between the company owner and employee whereas others argue that unions mean freedom of collective bargaining which is a democratic right. However, I need to clear one issue. What does having or being member of a labour union mean? Does having unions mean it is compulsory to be a member of the union if I am working in any industry? To make the question clear, suppose the labour union is demanding a wage of 15$/hour, which, possibly, the management is reluctant to pay. Then if I, as an individual, am ready to work for 10$/hour, does that mean the union will forcefully prevent me from going to work?

• Answer:

  If the workplace is a 'closed shop', yes, you will be prohibited from working at $10 an hour, and be required to join the union in order to work for $15 an hour. The union's position is that because group strength has created the $15 an hour wage rate, solidarity requires that you join the group and contribute to union expenses. People who break ranks and accept a lower pay rate without union participation are called 'scabs' and subject to campaigns of harassment and intimidation - so much so that I've decided to make my answer anonymous here, even though I'm doing my best to make it as impartial as possible! Some workers do not agree with the union's goals and, in particular, do not want to pay the portion of the union dues that go to political lobbying or the support of candidates the union chooses. They have asked to be recused from paying the portion of union dues used for these purposes.  Many unions have strongly opposed this option. Other workplaces are 'open shops', where workers can choose to join a union if they believe the benefits, such as health plans, are in their interest.  Unions don't like open shops, because they believe the non-joiners get a free ride on the benefits negotiated by the joiners. Personally, I have worked at both open and closed shops.