manufacturing jobs
History has proven to workers that unions cannot prevent layoffs, only assure they hit the least senior first. Unions cannot GET anything an employer is unwilling or unable to GIVE, and strike threats are hollow when unemployment exceeds 10%, and strikers can lawfully be permanently replaced. Union corruption and thuggery is back in the news as in the 1950's. Most of the worker protections unions used to negotiate in contracts, employees now get for free from labor laws. Why pay dues?
Unions provide strength. Unions provide support. Unions protect.
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support of labor unions
growth of public sector unions only
At the grass roots level it would be unions which can join together for strength.
Labor leaders organize unions to bring together workers to negotiate collectively. Local unions organize into larger unions to gain strength through numbers.
Since 1994, the membership in government employee unions has experienced a slight decline. This can be attributed to various factors, including changes in labor laws, budget constraints, and shifts in public perception towards unions. However, some government employee unions have successfully adapted and maintained or even increased their membership through organizing efforts and advocating for the interests of their members.
As a result of the Haymarket Square Riot, membership in the Knights of Labor declined quickly because the public associated unions with violence and radicalism.
Patrick G. McGovern has written: 'Recent developments in antiunionism in Ireland' -- subject(s): Trade unions
craft unions and industrial unions
A unified and consistent stand on different issues. Business and industry faced a more unified front from it's workers. Workers found that strength in numbers helped to combat the strength of business. Just as boniness had the strength of money, unions had the strength of numbers. Replacing one worker was nothing compared to trying to replace ( and retrain ) an entire workforce.