Why Are All Unions, From Public to Private, Out of Touch With the World?

Why Are All Unions, From Public to Private, Out of Touch With the World? By Dale Jodoin Across Canada, both private and public unions seem to be forgetting the very people they claim to represent. From large organizations like Unifor to provincial and federal government unions, there’s a growing feeling among regular Canadians that unions are no longer fighting for fairness — they’re fighting for themselves. Let’s be clear: unions used to serve a very important role. They helped working people get better wages, safer working conditions, and job security. Without unions, many families would have had no protection at all. In the past, they were a powerful force for good. But now, something feels different. During recent elections, unions across the board pushed hard against the Conservatives. Many of them pressured their members to vote Liberal, claiming the party would protect workers’ rights. In return, unions expected the government to give them everything they asked for — higher wages, more benefits, more control. But what did everyday Canadians get in return? While the cost of groceries, housing, and gas keeps climbing, many union leaders seem completely out of touch. These union heads earn huge salaries, attend expensive conferences, and speak on behalf of workers they no longer understand. And worse, they act like they’re victims — when often, they are the ones holding others hostage. Let’s look at public sector unions. These are the unions that cover government jobs, from teachers to city workers to federal employees. Many of these workers already have good wages, solid pensions, and health plans that most Canadians can only dream of. And yet, every year we see them threaten to strike or actually walk out, demanding even more. Now, let’s be fair — this isn’t about the average worker. Most teachers, nurses, and city workers care about their jobs and try to help others. But the heads of these unions? They’re not scraping by. They’re not choosing between rent and groceries. They’re collecting six-figure salaries while organizing rallies that disrupt cities and divide people. It’s hard to feel sympathy when someone earning over $100,000 a year complains they’re being treated unfairly — especially while millions of Canadians struggle to afford groceries or heat their homes in winter. Private unions like Unifor are different, of course. They deal with private businesses and manufacturers. If they strike, it hurts the companies they work for — not the taxpayers. That’s their right. But when public unions strike, it’s the people who suffer. Kids miss school, hospitals delay services, and city services grind to a halt. And it’s not just about money. These union heads often push political agendas that have nothing to do with their members’ jobs. They attend rallies, issue political statements, and spend member dues on campaigns that regular workers don’t even vote on. When did unions stop being about work and start becoming about power? We’ve seen this kind of behavior before. During the Russian Revolution, constant strikes and walkouts caused chaos, not change. The leaders claimed to speak for the people, but in the end, they only made life harder for everyone. It’s time for unions — especially government ones — to wake up. Canadians are watching, and they’re fed up. We’re not saying to get rid of unions. Far from it. Unions are important. They give a voice to workers who might otherwise be ignored. They protect against greedy corporations and unsafe workplaces. But when unions start acting like greedy corporations themselves, people notice. Maybe it’s time for more transparency. Maybe union heads should be elected more often. Maybe members should vote on how their dues are spent. Maybe strikes should require public approval before they happen. Maybe it’s time for government unions to be regulated more strictly — not to silence them, but to make sure they serve the people, not just themselves. If unions truly want to be respected again, they need to get back to basics: fighting for fair pay, safe workplaces, and respect for all workers — not just those at the top. Until then, many Canadians will keep seeing union leaders not as champions of the people, but as part of the problem.