[cyberax]

> I always saw unions as a bureaucratic/political layer that sits on top of workers, collecting money without contributing.

Their contribution is bargaining. Actors in Hollywood have agents for that, but if you're a worker earning an average salary, you can't afford that. So you pool your resources together for that.

> I also don't think that people should all get the same pay or collectively bargain. Some people work harder, invest more in their skills, bring a better attitude, etc. They should get paid more.

Have you ever worked in an assembly line on a plant?

[aaronbrethorst]

Actors in Hollywood have agents for that

And, famously, a union. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_SAG-AFTRA_strike