[danaris]

The problem is, far too many programmers think they're "top performers" who deserve to be paid way more than the guy in the next cubicle over—far, far more than can possibly be the case, mathematically speaking.

Personally, even if I believed myself to be the mythical 10x developer, I would still advocate for unions, because

a) Unions help with more than just pay; they make working conditions and benefits vastly better

b) I care about the people around me being paid fairly, too

c) If I'm genuinely good enough to be at the top of whatever pay scale there ends up being, I'm confident that a union will make sure that's enough money to live comfortably, and that's all I need.

I have negative interest in ever having a lifestyle in which the difference between $150k/yr and $200k/yr actually affects what I can do for myself or how I can live.