New Mexico asks union workers to waive First Amendment rights

[MichMan]

2. I don't think getting rid of the exclusive bargaining clause is a good idea

Look, I understand the frustration of someone opting out of joining the union still getting the same wages and benefits. As it is, someone deciding to opt out is not allowed to bargain for themselves, so they receive the same wages and benefits as the members.

In order to eliminate that from occurring, the exclusive bargaining clauses would need to be eliminated as well. Most unions are loathe to allow that to occur. Why?

Doing so would be detrimental to nearly every union for the following reasons;

1) Allows other unions to come in and poach members. Let's say the USW works hard to get voted in and establish a contract. If the exclusive bargaining clause isn't in place, a rival union (like the SEIU for instance) could go in and siphon off members by promising lower dues etc.

2) Most importantly, if you allow people to bargain for themselves, what is stopping an employer by offering higher wages and benefits to those individuals? That would be the easiest way to break a union as the floodgates would open with people leaving in droves.