I 100% agree, I’ve never been in a union, but as an IT Worker, I’ve been subject to every form of layoff you can imagine.
Back in the mid-80s when the company I was working went thru several major layoffs, I watched grown men with children walk out of the building after being told they were getting laid off, crying like babies, I swore to always have a plan B.
I’ve been IBEW and non union in the exact same position.
There are pros and cons to both.
When I was in the union, the relationship between union and management was the most dysfunctional I have ever been party to. But, management couldn’t get away with trying you to do work beyond 40 hours without paying and my accepting OT.
Storms were mandatory OT, but you made bank.
(Electrical utility designer)
Remember those days too. Meanest thing I saw was an older lady near retirement walked out by security. They wouldn’t let her get her coat and handbag. Her co-workers had to bring them out to her.
“I swore to always have a plan B.”
One good plan B is savings. That might mean reducing your standard of living so it allows you to put away money.
In my job I see employees buy service in our retirement system (e.g. Military service). These ordinary people come up with tens of thousands to do the buy. They’re obviously savers and are an inspiration to me.