Interesting viewpoints, my counter viewpoint.

Historically the Union movement has created some of the great social
advances in the OECD countries - try universal free education was Union
inspired, universal health coverage (still a dream in the US) came from the
health cooperatives setup by miners in Germany and Wales. Most health,
safety and environment legislation was drafted by the union movements who
often have a wider view of whats happening. The UKs clean Air/clean Water
legislation came from the Labour movement post WW2. Practically every OECD
country has examples of Unions enabling a better way of life, not just for
employees but for the wider population.

The other thing that a lot of employers fail to realise that in many
instances having a Unionised workforce is actually easier to administer -
one collective agreement instead of individual contracts - usually where
more than 50 employees are concerned.

Australia introduced Union busting legislation about 3 years ago, forcing
individual contracts of employment. Industrial accidents have dramatically
increased over the last 2 years, one industry has had 23 fatalities since
Jan 1 this year because of the piece rate payment methods that encourage
employees to cut corners but indemnify the employer from unsafe work
practices. Fortunately the new Government will be rescinding the
legislation.