[evangineer]

Unions on both sides of the Atlantic have made huge strategic errors in the last three decades that have eroded much of their influence, relevance and power.

Embracing enterprise and entrepreneurs in a deep way would a massive stride forward. I don't see it happening though. Finding a common enemy to unite against is one thing, but the fundamental shift in outlook required to go beyond that is something else altogether.

Labo(u)r will find other ways to organize in the 21st century instead forming/joining 20th century style unions.

[hugh3]

Unions on both sides of the Atlantic have made huge strategic errors in the last three decades that have eroded much of their influence, relevance and power.

Probably not strategic errors so much as natural consequences of the fact that the interests of the people running the union at any given time are not quite aligned with the interests of the union.

[evangineer]

Yep, our old friend the Principal-Agent problem strikes again. Misalignment of interests leads to decisions that aren't to the long-term benefit of the organization.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Principal-agent_problem