Perhaps not so horrible. Here's the reasoning.
Both labor and land are property, one is real and the other chattel.
But, the most important reason land contracts are recorded is to clarify ownership and use issues. Without written agreements, and public recording, lawsuits would swamp the courts with disputes over land. As it is now, most real estate disputes never even get to the courts, because the facts are clear and the law is consistent.
The same would be true if all labor contracts were in writing and recorded. Fewer lawsuits would occur.
Further, if all businesses were required to have and record contracts with all their employees, there would be a lot less confusion.
Whaddya think? Make sense?
You don't need unions for that.
The government imposes workplace rules and most professional workers have their own private agrements with their employer.