I have mixed feelings about unions & jobs w/ built-in security. When I worked for the government (civil service), the highest paid person in my dept. did almost nothing, but his job was secure until he chose to leave it. I have been working now for 10 years as a teacher, an automatically unionized position here in the U.S. (Is it in other countries, as well?). I can be a member of the union or not, but the same dues are deducted from my paycheck, either way, & much of that money goes to support the political party I don't agree w/. Although I understand the historical need for unions to protect the legitimate rights of the workers, what I have seen in my work experience is the weakest workers being protected--ones who, by merit of their work, probably should lose their jobs. For me, tenure is mixed w/ this in my mind, so I may be a bit muddled. Last spring, my union almost went to strike trying to get a new contract. I felt most of the demands were unreasonable. Generally, I'd prefer to be evaluated on my own merits, given the choice.

respectfully,

bbc