An idea (From a business guy) for unionized workers......

[Hicup]

Ok, so I was thinking about unions last night and I came up with an idea for them.

Instead of wasting their union dues on political campaigns it hit me that they're doing it all wrong.

Why not (And it can apply to ANY union) pool their money or a good portion of it into a fund, call it the entrepreneurship fund, and invest in start up businesses of their own? The money made in profits could come back to the union by way of a dividend. It would create more jobs, and give the union worker a way to continue working at their own career, yet provide a residual other income by way of profit sharing?

It's the same as what venture capitalists do, but this time the unions could be the ones pulling the strings??

Thoughts?

Yes, I'm that brilliant..


Tim-

 

[Spartacus FPV]

Ok, so I was thinking about unions last night and I came up with an idea for them.

Instead of wasting their union dues on political campaigns it hit me that they're doing it all wrong.

Why not (And it can apply to ANY union) pool their money or a good portion of it into a fund, call it the entrepreneurship fund, and invest in start up businesses of their own? The money made in profits could come back to the union by way of a dividend. It would create more jobs, and give the union worker a way to continue working at their own career, yet provide a residual other income by way of profit sharing?

It's the same as what venture capitalists do, but this time the unions could be the ones pulling the strings??

Thoughts?

Yes, I'm that brilliant..


Tim-

Because running a profitable business is difficult and risky, and lobbying has a much better return on your investment. Besides, if a the boss is in the union, how are the negotiations going to go? "500% raises for everybody!.... Grand opening!.... Grand Closing..."

 

[MaggieD]

Ok, so I was thinking about unions last night and I came up with an idea for them.

Instead of wasting their union dues on political campaigns it hit me that they're doing it all wrong.

Why not (And it can apply to ANY union) pool their money or a good portion of it into a fund, call it the entrepreneurship fund, and invest in start up businesses of their own? The money made in profits could come back to the union by way of a dividend. It would create more jobs, and give the union worker a way to continue working at their own career, yet provide a residual other income by way of profit sharing?

It's the same as what venture capitalists do, but this time the unions could be the ones pulling the strings??

Thoughts?

Yes, I'm that brilliant..


Tim-

Most union workers lack the intelligence (as in good ole' common sense) and drive to be entrepreneurs. And if not that, then most certainly they lack the risk-taking mentality necessary. While entrepreneurs are bored to death by regimentation, most union workers thrive on it. "Just tell me when to show up and what to do...when I leave, I'm off the clock." (Don't ask for links, damn it! This is my opinion. )

 

[haymarket]

Most union workers lack the intelligence (as in good ole' common sense) and drive to be entrepreneurs. And if not that, then most certainly they lack the risk-taking mentality necessary. While entrepreneurs are bored to death by regimentation, most union workers thrive on it. "Just tell me when to show up and what to do...when I leave, I'm off the clock." (Don't ask for links, damn it! This is my opinion. )

wee iz purty stoopit

 

[Hicup]

Most union workers lack the intelligence (as in good ole' common sense) and drive to be entrepreneurs. And if not that, then most certainly they lack the risk-taking mentality necessary. While entrepreneurs are bored to death by regimentation, most union workers thrive on it. "Just tell me when to show up and what to do...when I leave, I'm off the clock." (Don't ask for links, damn it! This is my opinion. )

That's the beauty of this idea though. The union dues paying worker doesn't have to do anything but agree that a portion of their dues is to be used to create MORE JOBS FOR THE AMERICAN worker.. The Union bosses could hire a venture capitalist type firm. People that are GREAT at picking winners. Banks have their best people in the business loan deptartments for a reason..


Tim-

 

[Lord Tammerlain]

Most union workers lack the intelligence (as in good ole' common sense) and drive to be entrepreneurs. And if not that, then most certainly they lack the risk-taking mentality necessary. While entrepreneurs are bored to death by regimentation, most union workers thrive on it. "Just tell me when to show up and what to do...when I leave, I'm off the clock." (Don't ask for links, damn it! This is my opinion. )

Some of that post is very insulting

I think you know which part

As for certain parts I would agree. Most people and that includes union members like the stability and security of a 9-5 job. Nothing wrong with that. But generalizing and calling most union workers morons is insulting,

 

[Lord Tammerlain]

Ok, so I was thinking about unions last night and I came up with an idea for them.

Instead of wasting their union dues on political campaigns it hit me that they're doing it all wrong.

Why not (And it can apply to ANY union) pool their money or a good portion of it into a fund, call it the entrepreneurship fund, and invest in start up businesses of their own? The money made in profits could come back to the union by way of a dividend. It would create more jobs, and give the union worker a way to continue working at their own career, yet provide a residual other income by way of profit sharing?

It's the same as what venture capitalists do, but this time the unions could be the ones pulling the strings??

Thoughts?

Yes, I'm that brilliant..


Tim-

I quite agree and would take that suggestion further. Why dont companies stop donating money to politicians and instead invest that money to increase profits and returns to shareholders. I am not sure what to call it but it starts with cap and ends with ism

 

[MaggieD]

Some of that post is very insulting

I think you know which part

As for certain parts I would agree. Most people and that includes union members like the stability and security of a 9-5 job. Nothing wrong with that. But generalizing and calling most union workers morons is insulting,

Sorry? You agree with certain parts but not where I called union workers morons? Just zakly where did I do that? Saying many don't have the common sense necessary to start a successful business is hardly calling them morons...

 

[Hicup]

I quite agree and would take that suggestion further. Why dont companies stop donating money to politicians and instead invest that money to increase profits and returns to shareholders. I am not sure what to call it but it starts with cap and ends with ism

Well, I think a lot of them do. I know I do.. Donating money to politicians is a bad business decision in any event.. Moving money without a measurable realized return is poor business.


Tim-

 

[Lord Tammerlain]

Sorry? You agree with certain parts but not where I called union workers morons? Just zakly where did I do that? Saying many don't have the common sense necessary to start a successful business is hardly calling them morons...

The words

union workers lack the intelligence

Perhaps the choice of words was poorly done, but anyone reading those words would I expect believe you were calling union members morons. Intelligence and having the knowledge and apptitude to start a successful business are entirely different things. Most scientists are very intelligent but very few open up their own business, and that would not be due to a lack of intelligence, but that their skills are not in handling sales, accounting and the fear of no income for a few months

 

[Lord Tammerlain]

Well, I think a lot of them do. I know I do.. Donating money to politicians is a bad business decision in any event.. Moving money without a measurable realized return is poor business.


Tim-

Many business donate money to polticians, on a local level property developers are generally large donators, federally you get med to large companies donating to congressmen, sentator and presidents. Not to mention the lobby groups. I expect that if you add up the money donated on behave of corporate interests and compare it to the money donated on behave of union interests, vastly more money would have been given by the corporate interests.

Given that as you say, spending money without a measurable return is a poor business decision, I expect the companies are seeing a return on their investments in the various political donations (and unions as well)

 

[snilloctjc]

I think Jimmy Hoffa and a host of other Union Leaders beat you to the punch on your idea. Think Trash Hauling in the NY Tri-State Area, or trucking at the NYC Air Ports. Hell watch any episode of The Sopranos.

 

[liblady]

Most union workers lack the intelligence (as in good ole' common sense) and drive to be entrepreneurs. And if not that, then most certainly they lack the risk-taking mentality necessary. While entrepreneurs are bored to death by regimentation, most union workers thrive on it. "Just tell me when to show up and what to do...when I leave, I'm off the clock." (Don't ask for links, damn it! This is my opinion. )

wow....just wow.

 

[rathi]

Lobbying often has a far better ROI than a typical investment. God knows that the media industry probably wouldn't even exist today if they hadn't bought enough congress critters to completely abuse laws in their favor. The S&P should start giving congressmen AAA ratings based on their expected returns once purchased.

 

[liblady]

Sorry? You agree with certain parts but not where I called union workers morons? Just zakly where did I do that? Saying many don't have the common sense necessary to start a successful business is hardly calling them morons...

your post was insulting. i think realtors are lazy and lack intelligence. see how that works?

 

[washunut]

your post was insulting. i think realtors are lazy and lack intelligence. see how that works?

How about coming at this from a constructive view versus thrash talk. Many people, union or not, perfer the stability of working for a paycheck versus going off on their own. Takes a different mindset. One is not necessarily better or smarter than the other. Risk adversion plays inself out in many ways. Nothing wrong with working for a paycheck, or being an independent business person.

 

[liblady]

How about coming at this from a constructive view versus thrash talk. Many people, union or not, perfer the stability of working for a paycheck versus going off on their own. Takes a different mindset. One is not necessarily better or smarter than the other. Risk adversion plays inself out in many ways. Nothing wrong with working for a paycheck, or being an independent business person.

exactly right.

 

[MaggieD]

The words

union workers lack the intelligence

Perhaps the choice of words was poorly done, but anyone reading those words would I expect believe you were calling union members morons. Intelligence and having the knowledge and apptitude to start a successful business are entirely different things. Most scientists are very intelligent but very few open up their own business, and that would not be due to a lack of intelligence, but that their skills are not in handling sales, accounting and the fear of no income for a few months

your post was insulting. i think realtors are lazy and lack intelligence. see how that works?

I thought I'd modified the word intelligence enough with (as in good ole' common sense). Apparently not. So, LT, you're right; poor choice of words.

@ LibLady -- I think you've just summed up what most people actually think about Realtors. Doesn't insult me. But maybe I've got a strong enough ego that I don't get insulted so easily.

 

[Harry Guerrilla]

Ok, so I was thinking about unions last night and I came up with an idea for them.

Instead of wasting their union dues on political campaigns it hit me that they're doing it all wrong.

Why not (And it can apply to ANY union) pool their money or a good portion of it into a fund, call it the entrepreneurship fund, and invest in start up businesses of their own? The money made in profits could come back to the union by way of a dividend. It would create more jobs, and give the union worker a way to continue working at their own career, yet provide a residual other income by way of profit sharing?

It's the same as what venture capitalists do, but this time the unions could be the ones pulling the strings??

Thoughts?

Yes, I'm that brilliant..


Tim-

Why don't they do this?
Because it's easy to point the finger and say, "you're exploiting us, we demand more money" than it is to actually manage a business.

 

[liblady]

I thought I'd modified the word intelligence enough with (as in good ole' common sense). Apparently not. So, LT, you're right; poor choice of words.

@ LibLady -- I think you've just summed up what most people actually think about Realtors. Doesn't insult me. But maybe I've got a strong enough ego that I don't get insulted so easily.

that's not the point. the point is your post was insulting and ill-informed. you have no idea what you're talking about here, maggie.

 

[Grim17]

Ok, so I was thinking about unions last night and I came up with an idea for them.

Instead of wasting their union dues on political campaigns it hit me that they're doing it all wrong.

Why not (And it can apply to ANY union) pool their money or a good portion of it into a fund, call it the entrepreneurship fund, and invest in start up businesses of their own? The money made in profits could come back to the union by way of a dividend. It would create more jobs, and give the union worker a way to continue working at their own career, yet provide a residual other income by way of profit sharing?

It's the same as what venture capitalists do, but this time the unions could be the ones pulling the strings??

Thoughts?

Yes, I'm that brilliant..


Tim-

This is going to be a tough point to make, but I'll give it a try.

Whether your idea is a good one or not, and I'm not saying it's not, there's no possibility of any union doing something like your suggesting, or even considering it, because it's simply not in their interests.

Just like so many other groups, organizations, and even governments throughout history, unions started out with nothing but the best of intentions. They all emerged at times when there was a real need for change, and rose to prominence because of injustice, exploitation and/or human despair that existed in society, and were willing to stand with people against it, and fight to usher in that needed change. They offered hope for a better future and a happier life, so people rallied behind them in masses.

Labor unions came into existence to help workers fight against being exploited by their employers, by organizing the workforce and forcing companies to improve wages, offer better and safer work conditions, more reasonable work hours, and better compensation for employees. Unions became the voice of the middle class and a force for good, who's actions were instrumental in the betterment of American society. In the 1800's and early 1900's, unions truly existed by the worker and for the worker. Unfortunately today, that's no longer the case.

Once unions became a powerful force against big business their membership exploded... and so did their bank accounts. As we all know, with money comes power, and with power comes corruption. It didn't take long before union leaders began shifting their focus away from the workers themselves, and more toward their own personal and political agendas. Today, labor unions are ideology driven organizations that no longer use their wealth for the betterment of their members, but instead use that wealth to exert power and influence political leaders into helping them achieve their goal of transforming America into progressive society.

So, the primary focus of labor unions isn't the betterment of their members and hasn't been for a very long time. They're only interest as far as their members go, is maintaining the status quo so they keep paying the membership dues, that finances their political goals and aspirations. Therefore, unions would not be interested in investing any more capitol in their members, than is absolutely necessary.

 

[Lord Tammerlain]

This is going to be a tough point to make, but I'll give it a try.

Whether your idea is a good one or not, and I'm not saying it's not, there's no possibility of any union doing something like your suggesting, or even considering it, because it's simply not in their interests.

Just like so many other groups, organizations, and even governments throughout history, unions started out with nothing but the best of intentions. They all emerged at times when there was a real need for change, and rose to prominence because of injustice, exploitation and/or human despair that existed in society, and were willing to stand with people against it, and fight to usher in that needed change. They offered hope for a better future and a happier life, so people rallied behind them in masses.

Labor unions came into existence to help workers fight against being exploited by their employers, by organizing the workforce and forcing companies to improve wages, offer better and safer work conditions, more reasonable work hours, and better compensation for employees. Unions became the voice of the middle class and a force for good, who's actions were instrumental in the betterment of American society. In the 1800's and early 1900's, unions truly existed by the worker and for the worker. Unfortunately today, that's no longer the case.

Once unions became a powerful force against big business their membership exploded... and so did their bank accounts. As we all know, with money comes power, and with power comes corruption. It didn't take long before union leaders began shifting their focus away from the workers themselves, and more toward their own personal and political agendas. Today, labor unions are ideology driven organizations that no longer use their wealth for the betterment of their members, but instead use that wealth to exert power and influence political leaders into helping them achieve their goal of transforming America into progressive society.

So, the primary focus of labor unions isn't the betterment of their members and hasn't been for a very long time. They're only interest as far as their members go, is maintaining the status quo so they keep paying the membership dues, that finances their political goals and aspirations. Therefore, unions would not be interested in investing any more capitol in their members, than is absolutely necessary.

And yet union workers still tend to receive higher wages and benifits then non union workers in the same field. If that is not bettering the union members I dont know what is


Also more then a few unions/union workers have taken equity stakes in the companies they work for, a couple of US airlines come to mind primarily, generally with mixed results ( the airline business is a horrible one to be an equity holder in)

 

[cpwill]

I quite agree and would take that suggestion further. Why dont companies stop donating money to politicians and instead invest that money to increase profits and returns to shareholders. I am not sure what to call it but it starts with cap and ends with ism

actually lobbying has a higher payoff. it's atrocious, but there you are - that's what you get with a overbearing federal behemoth. so long as we continue to legislate buying and selling, we will waste money in the buying and selling of legislators.

 

[samsmart]

Why not (And it can apply to ANY union) pool their money or a good portion of it into a fund, call it the entrepreneurship fund, and invest in start up businesses of their own?

Because it will be money wasted when already established businesses screw their employees out of wages to pay for campaign contributions to political candidates who will write laws who will favor those corporations over the businesses you propose union workers will set up.

 

[cpwill]

And yet union workers still tend to receive higher wages and benifits then non union workers in the same field. If that is not bettering the union members I dont know what is

i know.... it's the wierdest dang thing..... it's almost as if they are artificially raising their own compensation resulting in depressing wages for everyone else.....