“Is there any argument for unions anymore?”
The unions came about at a time when companies ruthlessly exploited workers. Over time much of what they fought for became law, so the need for them decreased. Looking at the reversals for workers in the past twenty years, maybe they’ll make a comback - we’ve certainly lost ground.
Anybody working 9 to 5 anymore? How many are working (with this wonderful technology) for hours from home, without additional compensation? How many have health benefits worth anything? How about those salaries keeping pace with cost of living and inflation?
We’re regressing back to the point where we were when unions were at their heyday; in response to the perceived threat of union growth, our companies have simply shipped the jobs to countries where individual rights can’t hold a candle to ours. While I have many of the same problems with unions that other FReepers have, I’m shocked at how easily the decline in our standard of living is dismissed by some, and how the relationship to work conditions is completely ignored.
I agree that there is no need for gubmint workers’ unions.
The most fundamental single force behind wage erosion over the last generation has been women's lib and women-in-the work-force.
Over the past generation, aside from population growth, we essentially doubled the work force. Such a profound development is bound to have an adverse impact on wages and working conditions.