Ruth is right, and wrong at the same time. The unions as we knew them in the 1970's and 1980's have nevr recovered but the number of peope joining a union now is the highest it has been for years and many of them are young people. Unions have changed with the times and are providng for their memebrs the best that the new century has on offer. You cannot compare the old style of union with the new style. Nonetheless, I cried when I was instructed by my union to cross a picket line as that was something that cut right through. I handed over a days wages to the striking union local branch to split amongst them. Not much, I know but these were the people who worked in my department and I am their line manager.   I now work for my union 2 days a week and am incredibly proud of it.