Seems the decline in income for the middle of America is tied almost like crossed fingers to the drop in union membership, something that has been orchestrated by Republicans and Southern Democrats for decades. I'm not quite sure why Southern Dems are on this particular train to nowhere, but it's obvious what the Republicans want: cheap labor, slaves where possible.
The story notes, quite correctly, that, "Unions typically increase the wages of their workers while also raising pay [not to mention benefits] for nonunion workers in industries with a strong union presence." We're not talking here about increasing wages at unprofitable companies, something that should not be attempted, even though they always seem to have plenty of money for executive bonuses. We are, however, discussing the possibility that the Koch brothers and the Waltons might shed a home or two, a yacht or two, a few Congressmen.
Unions have had a difficult 40-year ride and are apparently a low, low priority for young people. There is apparently some evidence, as well, that states with regulated unions (meaning weak unions or no unions) have fared better economically--as a whole--during recent down times. But that is not sustainable over the long haul. A healthy middle class means more for everybody because it ultimately means more and stronger consumers. Unions, like the businesses they often battle, can also be corrupt and that has had a devastating effect--like jihadist Moslems on the entire religion.
It's too bad that we're where we are and, frankly, I don't have an answer. The power brokers own Congress and the courts and when you get there, there's little recourse for the people in the middle.
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