> I cannot take this argument seriously when the management side of things is acting in the exact same manner, and no one seems to bat an eye.
Because it isn't the case. Short of actual slavery, management does not hold a monopoly on an individual's employment. If someone's employer is crap, they can move to another job. If they don't like their industry, they can try going into a different one. At least here in the US, labour is in relatively short supply.
"Because it isn't the case."
Yes it is.
"Short of actual slavery, management does not hold a monopoly on an individual's employment."
If they decide to fire you, you've now lost your ability to feed and house your family.
"If they don't like their industry, they can try going into a different one."
So don't try to improve anything, just give up.
But those making that argument never bring up a workable alternative for accomplishing that goal, other than everyone should quit their jobs.
"I'm glad we had unions, but they also have a dark side, where they can function more like a corrupt cartel over time."
I cannot take this argument seriously when the management side of things is acting in the exact same manner, and no one seems to bat an eye.