The Life of Julius: How Unions Hurt Workers

Thanks to the Obama White House for inspiring this video with its infamous "Life of Julia" slide show. Julia has mysteriously disappeared, but fortunately you can follow the life of Julius instead. AlfonZo Rachel tells the story of Julius, who worked tirelessly to have a better life for himself and his family. Why were unions working against him?

SOURCES:

45% of Americans 16-24 at or below minimum wage

The sharp fall in part-time work during 2009 can be largely attributed to the federal minimum wage increase.
Casey B. Mulligan, Economist, University of Chicago, The New York Times Economix Blog

Up to 50,000 people lost their jobs thanks to first minimum wage law.

10% increase in minimum wage reduces youth unemployment 1%-3%

"Unions push for state income tax hike."
Enterprise News. April 9, 2012. Brockton, MA.

State and local government workers across the country receive a "premium" above their private-sector neighbors.
14.9% higher in total compensation nationally
Rhode Island Center for Freedom and Prosperity. November 2012.

Reuters: "Hostess Brands Inc, the bankrupt maker of Twinkies.. is seeking a U.S. court's permission to go out of business after failing to get wage and benefit cuts from thousands of its striking bakery workers."

Reuters: "GM Files for Bankruptcy"

Learn more about CEI:

[MiguelAngel-irck]

No coincidence union membership is at an all time low, union busting or “labor relations consulting “ is a billion dollar industry .

[eleanor]

Ah yes, let us learn about how labor unions are bad from a totally unbiased source with no ulterior motives

[MrKaliforniakingz]

So what you're telling me is, that because Julius wasn't part of a union, he was paid less, and didn't have the same protections when he got older as union workers.

[ethanmiles]

Just joined my local IBEW and just as a helper I'm getting $30 an hour for a long call job that goes up to October. Really reminds of the army, but so far I think it's great. Not entirely sure why some people are bashing unions? Sure you pay some dues but I'm also in real estate and after only two years in the business I have made my six figures and I paid dues that proves to be worthwhile. Invest in yourself, gain a new skill regardless of it all and add more value to what YOU can do.

[Shitty]

I make 100k and have 4 weeks Vaca and pension. Unions for life.

[gramstrong]

What tax hikes have ever existed for someone making 51k that was the difference between affording their kid's university or not?

[domenicbrangiforte]

He should of joined and he's be retired at 55

[bgonzalez]

Now make one where Julius actually belonged to a union had better benefits, pension and retirement plans, and a better pay to cover union fees.

[DarkWaveOnSteroids]

Julius needs to tell his wife to get a job

[germangamingvideos]

Why do I think the CEI or competitive enterprises institute may be biased here

[domenicbrangiforte]

Try telling me why I don't get overtime and get free health but can't afford to pay for it try telling me why I'll never retire try telling me why I'm forced to work 6 days a week 18 hr days

[Gigachad-mcqz]

If you cant pay your workers you should not be in business

[CoolHandJD]

Julius should have joined a union apprenticeship program, gotten a debt free education, worked with the most skilled and gotten the highest pay in his trade of choice, received his pension and retired comfortably, but that sounds just terrible. Damn those rotten unions. 🤷🏻🤷🏻🤷🏻

[Quietbut_Deadly]

Minimum wage jobs do not destroy most jobs. Most teenagers do have jobs at fast food or retail places. At 17 I was applying for union jobs and got one once I turned 18. I literally started the month after I turned 18. Unions give you extra holiday pay with paid time off for vacation. Not to mention benefits, pension, retirement fund, etc.

[eleanor]

Wait, so if I join a union I can fuck over my managers financial life completely?? Sign me up!

[Haya-El]

This video is the epitome of stupid. How are Unions being blamed for issues that are literally caused by policies of the corporation themselves? General Motors went bankrupt because their product was/is lower in quality, in relation to its competitors. Not to mention money being squandered by upper management, instead of reinvesting into the product and employees. Shit like this video is why the average person is unclear on unions and it should be criminal to mislead people like this.

[pauly]

The Competitive Enterprise Institute pushes outsourcing to third world nations. They’re also staffed by Fortune 500 CEOs. Keep that in mind while watching this video.

[happyland]

unions solve the collective action problem between workers. its a form of cooperation in society that is necessary to provide an overall good for the employees, although less of a benefit if every employee did the rational thing and worked for their own personal benefit. businesses also cooperate in forms of cartels and what not, but for some reason this doesnt get much attention as employees cooperating...

[marcoroberts]

Looks like Julius got screwed because he’s not part of a union

[margaretmae]

I am so happy that everyone sees this as bullshit