Unions

Orson Scott Card has what I think is the ultimate explanation of unions in the US and why they are currently more of a problem than an aid.  I think his experience with unions is close to mine. My Father worked both within and outside of a union - and there was definitely more of the 'union time' mentality over time.  There were things that unions did early in the 20th century that were critical to the middle class and exceptional American way of life.  But even 20 years ago certain cracks had appeared. 

Orson's discussion is very balanced in highlighting the good unions can and have done but looking at the issues they now cause:
http://www.ornery.org/essays/warwatch/2009-09-27-1.html