This paper explains that the existence of a union within a team culture can be detrimental to promoting the fundamental concepts
of self-directed teamwork. The author points out that, while it would seem that the political problems could possibly be overcome as trust builds over time, the basic problems are the seniority provisions of collective bargaining agreements versus the basic concepts of self-directed teamwork. The paper states that, as long as the seniority rules with respect to job
promotions and craft boundaries continue to exist,
unionized companies will never be able to fully realize the benefits of a self-directed team-based work force and, if not corrected, unionized companies will continue to pay out huge production bonuses but only get a fraction of the pay off. Table of Contents Terms Defined The Issue of Union Seniority versus Team Culture Union Politics Conclusion