[himeexcelanta]

I’d offer a (friendly) counter point. Trusting in the benevolence of a union is very similar to trusting in the benevolence of your employer to watch your back. Both employers and unions ultimately devolve into parochialism. Both ultimately are interested in preserving their existing power structures and NOT in helping the worker. I’d say that the best way to “try and get it” is to make your skills valuable enough where you have more work offered than you you have time for in the day. At that point, raise prices!

[toomuchtodo]

"The floggings will continue until morale improves."

Unions brought us the weekend and labor rights. Rugged individualism and hustle did not.

[souprock]

Religion brought us the weekend, and ordinary politics ("vote for me because...") brought us labor rights. Unions brought us dues and a bunch of people standing around waiting for an electrician to plug in a power cord.

[himeexcelanta]

I think collectivism in the context of labor is definitely something people should have access to if they want it. This is why national sovereignty is a wonderful thing. That being said, many regulations and rules around labor can hinder hiring and increase barriers to entry for new businesses. Both approaches have their merits. I personally prefer to have greater economic and business freedom, but that may not the preference of everyone.