[triceratops]

> Nobody wants to inhale toxic fumes in some factory? well then the company had better invest in safety equipment, or work dont get done. We dont need a union for this

We tried that in the past. The work still got done, and workers just died more often. If you want to live in that reality move to a developing country with poor labor protections.

[redeeman]

how many software developers are in unions? is the compensation higher than industries/sectors with high union membership?

[triceratops]

Actors. directors, writers, and professional athletes are in unions. How much do movie stars or first-pick quarterbacks make?

How many retail workers are in unions? Is the compensation higher than industries/sectors with high union membership?

The extent of unionization in a field is irrelevant to how much top performers make in that field. Unions establish a floor for employment conditions and compensation. Market demand determines the top end.