This was also my dad’s experience (in the 70s and 80s in the US). He saved up his money so that he could move to an non-unionized state. He worked his way from a machinist to a general manager, and worked hard to ensure his company remained competitive in the US as their competition moved all operations to China. It was a long play, but it paid off for his company. They’re the go-to for quality in their industry.
I’m sympathetic to unions, though, as many companies really are a terrible place to work, and employees need better representation in those situations. I just wish there was a better option than unions.
For the opposite perspective: One of my uncles worked a non-union construction job in the 50's. He died on the job. Another uncle, who watched my uncle die, never worked another non-union job in his life, choosing to go hungry rather than working a non-union job.
I’m sympathetic to unions, though, as many companies really are a terrible place to work, and employees need better representation in those situations. I just wish there was a better option than unions.