I don’t know a lot about the current state of unions in America. Other than their numbers are low and I believe, in part, that they have not fully made the jump from the post industrial era to the computer age.
Overall, I admit a bias that I like the idea of having a third partner in the discussions between government and business. One that represents the public interest as labor could. I’d like to have better in the talks between government and the mega-corporate oligopolies and industries with strong lobbyists. And even without having to be a member. Obviously membership will provide extra advantages, though they have in the past improved overall standards with competing wages and now ubiquitous items such as overtime, vacation, sick time, pensions or savings plans, and health care. In some countries they still serve that role as a controlling public interest. While I think unions in France are an example of one that’s gotten out of hand, where they garner wide general support they can help define the economic landscape from the public point of view.
The big problem in America is that they don’t get much public support. Until they can be a go-to representative for most of the other 95% taxpayers they are not an avenue influence. Perhaps current restrictions or requirements on their political activities should be lifted or likewise applied to corporations. This would help. Would removing or modifying the Taft-Hartley at some time be helpful or give them too much power too quickly?
For unions to represent large groups of people they’d need to be big enough to create competition between them and non union shops which in the past was at least 2/3 of the public. They should also be able to bring people in as independent contractors. actual small, individual businesses. And also partner with existing small businesses across America. In some sectors they might be able to compete together effectively against much larger business entities. As an example, why musician’s unions are not partnering with local establishments that cater to that kind of entertainment is beyond me. Working with local club and bar owners to investing together to bring in more business makes good sense. Even now it might work in some cases, as people would like to take their minds off of daily troubles for a while. It’s been a good example of opportunities missed. Why is that money laying there on the table? What would unions need to do to be competitive, and to represent the public at large to make them successful? If you have been in or have worked with unions it would be appreciated if you mention that.