Unionized Gun Manufacturers?

[NimChimpsky]

I'm someone who "looks for the union label"[1] whenever possible, but I'm having no luck finding out which firearms manufacturers (both in the USA and foreign) have union representation for their workers[2]. Google, Wikipedia, and searching this website aren't turning up anything clear or current. Anyone know for sure if the major companies like Remington, S&W, Ruger, Colt, or others are unionized? Thanks!

[1] This isn't to say I only care about that. It's also quality, reliability, and all the other factors that come into play in any buying decision.
[2] I'm definitely NOT trying to open up a debate about labor unions or the politics of that, not in this thread anyway. As a pro-gun left-winger, I'm aware of how much a minority I am, so I'm hoping folks can keep that for another conversation!

[Dave A]

You might be surprised how many gun owners are left leaning politically, even though that may not seem to make a lot of sense to some of us on the other side of the aisle. I have in laws, neighbors and friends who have yet to see the light and they own lots of firearms. So, good on ya mate.

Sorry, can't answer your question about who might be unionized among American firearms mfg's.

Googled and found this discussion from late 2010 on another forum.'

http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-513042.html&

[stitchnicklas]

[cannon]

Interesting question curious to see what turns up.

[jyo]

In the way old days, unions served to protect the workers and obtain a decent wage for those workers---that is not the case today---unions are mostly about power and politics---electing the people to keep them in power and keep the money flowing. As for guns made by union workers---Colt was basically ruined by the UAW (United Auto Workers Union) strikes---several other recent moves by gun makers to places and states without unions enable them to stay in business. This is my personal opinion---I am sure, out there, somewhere is a good union---I just don't know where.

[johnthomas]

In the way old days, unions served to protect the workers and obtain a decent wage for those workers---that is not the case today---unions are mostly about power and politics---electing the people to keep them in power and keep the money flowing. As for guns made by union workers---Colt was basically ruined by the UAW (United Auto Workers Union) strikes---several other recent moves by gun makers to places and states without unions enable them to stay in business. This is my personal opinion---I am sure, out there, somewhere is a good union---I just don't know where.

So much for the OP NOT wanting to start a debate. How many Unions have you joined and worked with?

[cannon]

No Union debate or Union threadjacking please.

[AJAX22]

I have dealt directly with more than a few manufacturers and none have been union....

All I've had the opportunity to speak with were STRONGLY anti union.

If ruger, colt, and smith and wesson are not union, then you probably won't find any who are.

[gun toting monkeyboy]

Hmmm... I know Winchester was unionized. It looks like that worked out well for them. Oh, wait...

Last I heard, they were waiting for the union contracts to expire, and then they were going to open up a factory in a right to work state. The cost of dealing with unionized workers is a huge part of why you can't go down to the local gun store and buy a new Model 94.

[Army]

After Colt unionized, and the quality of guns and service were legendary for being crap. They still haven't recovered their reputation or quality. Series 80 anyone?

[DanDanPumperMan]

Oh, so many things I want to say about unions......where's the bash on unions thread?

[jyo]

Actually, in my youth, I was a member of the Rubber Workers Union while working for BF Goodrich tire co. in the City of Commerce (East L.A.)---this was in the early 70s---so I have some idea how unions work---and this was one of the better unions that cared about its members. As for Winchester, model 94s (and 92s) are now made in Japan!

[BillPear]

If i could opt OUT of my union I would!

[bwiese]

More and more US guns will be made by non-union houses.

The "union gun shops" are typically in the dying Northeast. Labor costs vs productivity make it not worth staying there - in addition to being in states/locales that have a ton of other regulation.

Remington is making a big move to NC and I think you'll see others go there soon. Colt has enough pricing pressure and cult status to avoid (at least for the short term) concerns about excessive union costs.

Glock USA is in Smyrna, GA. Most of Ruger's operation is in AZ - nonunion. Some smaller volume Ruger stuff is still in northeast but am pretty sure it's not unionized.

Aside from personnel issues, unions have also been very resistant to modern bulk technologies (CNC etc.).

[AJAX22]

Let's see: H&K; SIG-Sauer (in Germany); SIG = SIGarms = Swissarms (in Switzerland, maker of the legendary P210); Glock; Krieghoff; Korth; Mauser; Browning (for the most part); FN; Benelli; Beretta; I'm not sure about Manurhin.

Enough high-quality guns on that list?

I hear Norinco has collectively organized labor as well