That's certainly the perception, but I still have to wonder how true it is vs how much is propaganda. Still, even if it is true that unions weren't necessary for a period of time, they most certainly have become necessary once again:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/scottwinship/2014/10/20/has-ineq...

How else do you interpret "the wedge" except as the failure of labor to advocate strongly enough for its interests?