[Teacher317]

I just don't understand how people can insist that they be paid more or else they will stop working, but also insist that the employer not be allowed to hire another person who is willing to do that work for that wage.

Unions certainly helped make workplace safety an important and recognized issue once upon a time. With numerous federal agencies now covering that territory, there's little viable reason left for them, outside of artificially inflating prices and wages (and it's extremely rare for that to be a positive act).

[andyandval]

With numerous federal agencies now covering that territory, there's little viable reason left for them

They are completely losing their grip, no negotiating strength whatsoever.