I think it is also worth a mention that there are specific laws governing how unions and employers deal with each other. Personally, I don't have a problem with people getting together for a common cause. I think employers should be free to
fire people who don't work, and I don't think anyone should be forced to join a union just because they work at a particular place. The
40 hour work week and
paid holidays are two of the more common benefits which were popularized due to union labor victories.
Some unions, such as the Teamsters have long been at least suspected of Mafia ties, so unions have a bad reputation with some people. Others, such as the National Education Association (NEA) seem to promote the welfare of its members at the expense of others. (all do, in reality, even if those bearing the burden are the employers and customers, but nobody wants to see people profiting at the kids' expense.)