[CydeWeys]

... they aren't paying workers more though, because there's no unions around to give the workers enough bargaining power. This is why unions are needed -- a random worker needs his job more than the company needs him, and is not on equal bargaining footage.

If your argument actually worked, then they would be paying workers more. But they aren't, so it doesn't work, and unions are needed.

[conanbatt]

If the companies could increase their profits by hiring more workers they would do it. Unless the union can sell the houses at a higher price or make its workers more productive, the union can't solve the equation.