Reply #25: In reply to: ..did a lot of good in the past, but they're no longer needed

[ret5hd]

No longer needed where?

In the meatpacking plants or slaughterhouses, arguably the most dangerous work environments in the U.S.? I believe the unions are needed there more than ever, and not just to organize and protect the workers. Unions in this industry could be at the forefront of the drive to improve the food safety of the U.S. consumer, much as they were at the forefront of child labor laws and the 8 hour workday. The unions were strongest when they fought for the needs of ALL Americans, not just the members. (It can be argued that this was also their downfall, being as everyone benefitted while only a few fought.)

Or maybe in the construction industry, where OSHA has abdicated from its role in worker safety and year after year people are killed in trench cave-ins? Many unions perceive one of their main goals as getting their members home alive.

Anyway, I believe they are needed now more than ever...BUT...many have to rethink their priorities.