The unions opened the door to foreign steel makers and closed down the US companies, one at a time. Out here in the West, we see a few small, non-union steel companies thriving, making specialized steel products, some made from steel from wrecked cars. It seems to be a trend--unionize and go bankrupt or specialize, be non-union and survive. Is that a good plan or not?
Paul, I have no idea what the wages were at the plants you mention. I do not think it's a good idea to set up a business where the employee cannot make enough to support themselves and set up their future. If we're talking about steel mills, we're not talking about a minimum wage job. I do think there is a big difference.
I'm not in favor of employees forcing pay and benefits up beyond reason, but if we're talking about an industry like steel, it should either support the employee, his family and their future, or be allowed to close.
If our government is not going to implement policies that see families able to support themselves and their futures, what has this nation come to? This is about as far from the American Dream as you can get.