How critical are labor unions? #tellusatoday

The recent standoff at West Coast ports involving the International Longshore and Warehouse Union prompted a discussion about labor. We asked our followers how important organized labor is today. Comments from Twitter are edited for clarity and grammar:

My union was everything. At a small company, I wouldn't have had anywhere to go with grievances or to keep management in line.

— @sashajol

Workers deserve to be taken advantage of if they refuse to unionize.

— @jiclark2002

Except for a very few industries, unions are an idea that has gone the way of the wagon.

— @skinsnrugby

With corporations reducing workers yet increasing existing workers' duties and workloads, unions that are not corrupt are vital.

— @NightclubGenius

Unions don't work anymore. They only breed mediocrity and laziness.

— @JKrawlzik

Unions keep employers in check. Many employers are inherently fair and just, but many are not.

— @cruzb882

A union stops a company from taking advantage of its employees.

— @GodNotDead85

Letter to the editor:

I am an 89-year-old veteran who has been a member of two unions. Also, I have some experience negotiating union contracts as a management representative. The piece "Dockworkers deserve plaudits: Opposing view" was reasonable considering the writer's position. I agree that many CEOs are paid far more than what I would consider reasonable.

The writer, Mark Brenner, comments on the fact that membership in unions is down dramatically. Has he seriously considered why? Unrealistic demands have become apparent to many normal folks who want to disassociate themselves from those forcing these demands upon the employers and themselves.

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union's recent work stoppage is an example. Employees whose average annual wage is more than $145,000 plus generous benefits don't sit well with many of us and generate more anti-union opinions. Also, the slowdown hurt many people who will never make wages at that level.

Ralph Hallock; Hayden, Idaho

Comments from Facebook are edited for clarity and grammar:

A union is nothing more than a labor monopoly. Like all monopolies, it is bad for consumers. Unions should have been banned over 100 years ago.

— Sal Maggiore

What unions have is a contract that they can negotiate, and just like any business or person would, they gain leverage by using tactics that show their value (such as a slowdown or strike).

— Jon Russo

If you enjoy a 40-hour workweek, Saturdays and Sundays off, health coverage, paid vacation, safe work conditions, a pension and overtime pay, among other benefits, you can thank the unions. Unions built the middle class.

— Guy Berk

For more of the conversation, follow @USATOpinion or #tellusatoday on Twitter.