John and Paul are having a fight. Ringo hears the noise and comes over to see what is going on. At this point Paul punches Ringo in the face, unprovoked.

Whose side do you think Ringo is now on? This example is what stakeholders feel like when unions strike.

Throw down those signs people.

Me personally I’m not a fan of unions, I don’t see the value the same way they do. I do comprehend the logic behind collective bargaining and various other aspects of their arguements though, but this post isn’t about my preference for unions or not.  What I’m absolutely opposed to is unions striking, boy do I hate that with a passion.

So on my way to work I see striking teachers (and this is supposed to be the first week of school). I cannot express how absolutely disgusting it is to see teachers on strike, especially given the fact I live in a more disadvantaged area.

I understand their beef they don’t have a contract signed, guess what people neither does almost every other worker in Washington State (it’s an at will employment state). Your grievances seem petty compared to the fact at risk kids are going without the education, those in richer neighborhoods get by default. The idea that you would further jeopardize the future of a segment of population which will already find difficulty achieving success for your own personal gain is disturbing.

I encourage unions everywhere to consider the impact they have on their stakeholders and then consider is their gain really worth the pain of these people? Sure I’m asking you to pull a tool out of your arsenal, but keep in mind in the US you now have many new protections that your forefathers didn’t.

Take-Away: If you want someone on your side of the fight you should stop and consider the impact your actions have on them.