[ahelwer]

The idea that unions exist only to get a larger slice of the static profits pie is, itself, a zero-sum view :)

When employees feel represented and empowered, when we have real ownership in the company - not just a few thousand $ in stock grants while billions are spent on dividends/stock buybacks, but an actual seat at the table where decision are made - then we want the company to succeed. We will work harder and become more invested in our product than any corporate morale-raising initiative could ever hope to achieve. This grows the pie.

[crimsonalucard]

I agree with you 100%. But to be unbiased I must also mention that it does leave room for some slackers who can take advantage of the system.

[saltminer]

Slackers exist whether there is a union or not. Whether it's an overburdened manager ignoring an employee, a nepotism hire, or an employee who gets lost in the payroll system and becomes their own manager, corporate waste is a very real thing.

[dlkf]

Do you have any supporting examples?

[ericd]

IIRC many (most? all?) German companies have labor representation on the board of directors.