While unions have been given credit for some excellent changes in various workplaces, it is likely that many of the changes would have come to fruition at some point without union involvement.

Workplace safety, eight-hour workdays, five-day work weeks, healthcare coverage, workers compensation, retirement savings, and more have all been good changes. But, as competition drives markets, it also drives demand for workers. With workplace protections commonplace and with the provision of additional resources for workers, unions’ roles as necessary advocates for workers has diminished.