New theory: PREVIOUS generations had a sense of entitlement

[brothert69]

Isn't that what unions exist for? To make it impossible to fire non-productive employees? Wouldn't that constitute a sense of entitlement for those union members?

Why can't I pump my own gas in New Jersey or Oregon? Unions. Can you articulate any reason to outlaw pumping ones own gas other than to create a job for some union leech who wants pay and benefits for working a menial position? Unions give unskilled people every reason to stay unskilled and when sane people cry foul union members give the "protecting the American middle class" speech.

Unions are a collection of entitlement addicts. And as the largest beneficiary of union ridiculousness, because they came up in the golden age of unions, I submit that boomers had a much greater sense of entitlement than the current millenials.

Unions do not make it impossible to fire non-productive employees they do make the company follow the rules with respect to terminating an employee without pre-judgement as to if that person is "non-productive" or not. The rules in the employment contract are there to ensure that everyone is dealt with in the same manner. This is called equal protection and if its such a bad thing maybe you should write your congress person and ask them about taking it out of the constitution too.

As to why you can't pump your own gas in Oregon I do not know as I don't have personal experience in that state. As to why you can't pump your own gas in New Jersey it's state law and has to do with fire safety. It has nothing to do with unions in New Jersey as people who pump gas are not in any union. In New Jersey there are many safety restrictions with respect to flammable and other hazardous materials not just the pumping of ones own gas. For example I must have a permit to handle nitrous oxide even though I am 1) not a New Jersey resident, 2) am not using it for a commercial purpose, 3) am only using it on private property. So I have to pay a $25 fee bi-annually for the privilege of being able to bring a nitrous bottle to the track. Is it the fault of the unions? No. It's NJ's wacky safety regulations but I deal with it just like I deal with letting someone pump my gas especially since it costs less to let someone pump my gas in jersey than it does to pump my own in new york.

Unions generally protect non-professional skilled labor so I don't know why you would say that they give unskilled labor an incentive to stay unskilled. How are you at truck driving, carpentry, welding, crane operation, air craft maintenance, flying, plumbing, wiring, car building or other unionized craft? Those jobs require skill even if they don't require a degree or a professional license. Many of the trades require an apprenticeship that is longer than the time one would be in school to get a bachelor's degree.

As to unions being entitlement addicts I disagree. When I sign a contract with an employer I hold up my end and I expect the company to hold up their end. The union makes sure the company holds up their end. It's that simple.

Also the previous generation is entitled to a little entitlement. They're the ones that actually were loyal to a company often working 25 or more years at the same place. That generation did not jump from job to job like a bee jumping from flower to flower. In return however they expected loyalty from the company. Years ago you didn't need a contract and a union to make sure that you would get what you deserved for your work. Now you do. Years ago you shook someones hand and gave them your word and then you did what you said you would do. Now people actively look for ways to screw everyone around them and to break their promises. The world has gone to shit and no one has any type of values anymore.
Additionally the generation you're griping about was the generation standing out on picket lines not getting paid so that people our age could have health care not just for ourselves but for our families. I'm assuming you've never worked for a union shop but I wonder if your parents did because you may have enjoyed the same benefits youre complaining about without even knowing.