For what it's worth, the unions had a place at one time and were decidedly needed. But now? It's as if the race-baiting poverty pimps woke up one morning and found everyone was just about the same shade of green.

Instead of going "Our work here is done!" they'd cast about to see if any shades of green had any slightly better living conditions or work conditions, and then try really hard to stir up the old animosities again so they'd have power, control, and (most importantly) a pack of idiots who'd gladly send them money to 'fix' the problems they identify.

The union bosses are pretty much the same. Out at the plant I work at there was a strike vote - the unions were pushing for more bennies, but the rank and file voted by about 60% to NOT strike.

As it is, the union folks get a $2500 bonus, guaranteed 2.5% raises over the next three years, and the company pays 85% of their health care.

And that's so bad that the union wanted them to strike?

Like I said - the unions had a place and a time. But that time and place are past, they can either adapt (like a good parasite - survival of the host is important) or dissolve. If needed, they can be recreated - we'll know how. But the fiction that they're vitally important to the American Worker at this time just doesn't fly...

Perhaps community organizing isn't all its crooked up to be.

What JLawson said. They are not needed anymore especially for the public sector which involves my money. ww

Public Sector unions were NEVER needed, ever.
They were allowed for political purposes and once they over-reached as badly as they have, people have noticed and the gig is up.

Locally, Teacher unions bemoan the low pay raises they receive, averaging about 4% a year. What they fail to disclose are the COLA's and step increases they usually get.

I would have loved 4% pay increases over the years. I also would love to make my old salary again, but have to deal with half of it after 9 months of Funemployment.

These public workers are about to get a taste of Barry's Hope & Change that have left millions of private sector workers bitter and broke.

Public workers should NEVER be able to bribe corrupt politicians for increased pay, benefits and unsustainable pensions on the taxpayers dime.

I have a solution.

Tired of all the finger pointing and ugly division between the private and public sectors?

Simple- treat them equally.

Allow Public Sector Unions, but disallow the agencies they work for to collect money from taxpayers unless it is voluntary.

Are you a schoolteacher and confidant you are worth your salary and benefits? Simply convince the taxpayers of that, and they will fork over their money. But you can't force them... you have to ask them. And if they agree your service is worth it, they will pay you.

Unions destroy every industry with which they come into contact: steel, automotive, manufacturing, etc. The rust belt has been hit especially hard.

1 + 1 = 2.

Unions used to be purposeful when they tried to help protect the poor employees. Nowadays, unions seem to desire the only thing – their own profit. It is no longer about protecting people or providing benefits for them. Let’s hope most of them dissolve soon.

If ever a wrong move was made at the wrong time, it was the left's in-your-face show of union force in Wisconsin. Empathy and solidarity turned quickly into hatred and loathing. Like virginity -it will be impossible for public unions to regain any positive status thay may have held due to public ignorance. It's on!