[stuffn]

Given they have the power of life and death in their hands having them licensed and accountable is peace of mind.

Surely unions are too powerful in several industries. Police, medicine, and law. But not having some association holding these people accountable is a bad idea.

[nickff]

Most of these industry guilds tend to be capricious but forgiving, determined to protect members. Almost every (North American) union puts its members' well-being ahead of any possible accountability, which makes sense, but means they cannot be trusted to self-regulate.