Unions represent under 7% of the private sector work force,perhaps 1/3d of public sector employees, down from a peak of unionrepresentation in the 1950’s. Some argue that unionsare necessary, and the decline of unionization is a root cause ofthe economic decline in the US middle class for severaldecades. Have unions outlived their usefulness in theUS economy, should be shut down as a right of employees to bargainwith their employers? Or do unions have an importantrole in the economy, ensuring that the economic pie is shared amongeveryone who helps “bake” that pie? What publicpolicies would you advocate, based on your view of the future roleof unions in the US?
