I agree that many of the slogan laced perspectives are shallow. Unionisation and the whole complex that comes with it is not narrow. A lot of effort and thought has gone into it. A lot of smart people.

But it's also true that unions themselves have causes problems, often at a very macro level. Unions can have their own interests, independent of the interests of their members.

I don't know where I stand. I think there is a real problem in negotiation position of employees and employers. An employer negotiates often, their stakes are lower and they can optimize. I think we would be seeing improved "labour conditions" like working hours, holidays and other points if the negotiation process was efficient, but we are not. Generally, the less restricted the market, the longer the conventional hours, the fewer the number of days off and the lower the job security. I think it's probably inefficient.

I don't think unions have offered a perfect solution. Often it's not even good enough or better than nothing. I think we need to keep looking.

The left needs new ideas.