I hear what you're saying, but the unions are not fully to blame. I work in a small company union and the big boys treat us like we don't exist. We are now over a year without a contract. We are still working but the company has pretty much denied that we exist. At our contract time last year, the company said here is what we have to offer you and that's it. We voted down the offer, but are allowed to continue to work. A strike is not an option. If we strike, the company will close the doors. No question about it.
"At our contract time last year, the company said here is what we have to offer you and that's it."
Who determines what the EMPLOYER will pay? I'd think the employer, considering it's his money. If they choose not to pay you what you're worth then you're free to go somewhere else where they will.
"We voted down the offer, but are allowed to continue to work. A strike is not an option. If we strike, the company will close the doors. No question about it."
My understanding of the labor laws is that, unfortunately, they can't fire unions for striking, or at least there are numerous provisions and regulations over what an employer can do with his own property and money when workers strike. Maybe what your describing is that the company will go bankrupt or relocate if there is a strike. If this is the case it adds to my point about unions bankrupting companies across America. Your company should be able to fire all of its workers and hire new ones freely. If it isn't paying its workers fairly then it won't be able to hire new ones for the reduced cost. Since, I don't know the peticulars of your situation, I'm not going to judge what the case is.