First, let me set the record straight by saying I am firmly a Labor Union supporter, but not a member of any.
But what amazes me to this day is working people, be them blue-collar or others, parroting the Great Republican lie that Unions are bad for the country.
This misinformation campaign, which has been in full gear for decades, has been enormously effective.
Now in 2006 America, we have little wage escalation for hourly workers with professional workers sucked into the 50+hour work week under the myth of productivity.
Vacations are few and far between - indeed many workers are so immersed in the work culture (or too broke) that they don't even take the vacations that they did earn!
Unions brought the U.S. safe working conditions, a 40 hour work week, benefits, vacations, paid time off, and pensions. They also brought America a world-class work force when America commanded respect for the goods produced here.
Now we have deteriorating working conditions, a 50+ hour work week, reduced benefits at best, no vacations, and greatly diminished pensions.
Progress is record corporate profits, no innovation in manufacturing, and a "global" economy (good for the U.S. when we get to exploit poorer nations for their workforce).
I'm in management. I would prefer a union workforce: Proud, competent, and enjoying a fair share of the pie.
Of course, we couldn't compete like that in the current economy.