And why is union membership declining?


Because manufacturing is decling. No need for unions for the burger
flippers that are the new manufacturing base.

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And because many of the inequities and injustices of 100 years ago have
been corrected, by unions.

Even folks who despise unions and who, like most of us, work in
non-union shops, would be reluctant to give up the working conditions
achieved by union agitation, strike, sacrifice, and commitment over the
years. We take 40 hour weeks (with extra pay for overtime), sick leave,
paid vacation, paid holidays, health insurance, subsistence or better
retirement upon reaching "old age", etc for granted- but few of these
"perks" existed before unions pressured employers to make them a normal
part of compensation.

There are some corrupt unions and some unreasonable union demands, just
as there are some corrupt employers or those willing to make
unreasonable demands.

Collective bargaining gives the worker more negotiating power to try
and achieve an equitable deal from the employer. Just as employers form
"associations" to set/negotiate wages for an entire
industry.....(meaning, "no point quitting XYZ Widget to look for a
better deal at ABC, everybody pays the same low wage")........workers
need the ability to voluntarily form and/or join associations to
achieve a bit of leverage on their side of the negotiation.

A responsible employer offering a reasonable and competitive
compensation plan, a safe working environment, and other progressive
working conditions has little reason to fear that union organizers will
make much of an inroad in his shop.