unions are great when people want a paycheck but don't want the need to perform to be a part of the equation. I can see why that's tempting for a certain mindset, but it's a clear loser in every way except tickling those populist "worker" nerves so many seem to have.
I can't speak much for unions in the US, but in Argentina, unions eliminated child labor, introduced paid time off and reduced working hours from 90 to 40-50hs a week. When they protested for these things we consider today to be only reasonable, the conservative power at the time repressed public manifestations killing dozens of protesters.
In the US, union leaders were forced to make a sworn statement regarding their political inclinations.
Unions in the US are viewed very negatively, but as a political institution, it does solve some issues. I don't think a world without unions is a better world, though I wish they behaved more transparently than they do.
Yeah, SAG has really stopped actors from performing. George Clooney just sits on his ass all day running out the clock until he can collect his paycheck. /s
