Are they really needed? I think even mediocre engineers are probably so versed in tribal knowledge within they firms that if they say they're overworked they could be moved to other departments because losing an employee is often very expensive. Not only that, unlike other assets, engineers get better over time and become more valuable as they become more expensive. We can move firms, start firms, or move laterality to other industries where our technical skills are valued. A Union protects and supports a population with many more unproductive enginneers than a place without one. We are not like line workers at a steel plant as work is abundant and if a bit of effort is made a good work life balance can be had.