Bill I agree with you yet again this is becoming a habit......we also have these problems or should I say used to have these problems till politicians brought out policies all but banning unions. Now companies can ride roughshod over their workers and industrial action is all but made illegal.
That is not the answer...the answer lies with sensible people doing sensible things to unite and fight for their rights, better pay and conditions. I know a lot of union guys and the vast majority are reasonable men who would never dream of doing the ridiculous things you have witnessed. In fact most of the union reps I know have great relations with their employers and show mutual respect and understanding so that most disputes are settled promptly and amicably. Of copurse respect is a two way street and sometimes it is the employers who will not listen to reason. Just because SOME unions adopt bad practice and are irresponsible does not make the principle of unions wrong. Unions should be accountable to their members and to the public.