The union guys are morons. What other organization refuses to adapt? Even after they started dying off, they refused to adapt. Okay, obviously they're probably not morons, but I can't fathom their thinking. Totally opaque to me.
If I were to re-invent the union today I'd do it so that it adds value for the employer. I'd say, we're collecting dues from (random number) 20,000 guys -- we're going to provide health care.
We're going to subsidize unemployment insurance to keep a stability in the workforce that changes jobs.
We're going to offer re-training programs and advanced study programs to keep our guys up to speed with whatever happens in the field.
And, if the gov't ever decides to enforce the law and fine employers who hire illegals, then we're going to do the screening process, which will cut down on fines imposed as well as gov't expense of enforcement agents.
Obviously, the unions aren't thinking of this stuff. They're stuck in some 1966 business model that hasn't existed for decades.