For those of you who think unions aren't necessary, and at the same time bemoan how U.S. unions make our manufacturers non-competitive compared to low-cost Asian producers, keep in mind this story from Bangladesh, where they pay garment workers 21 cents an hour. The United States used to harrass and murder its labor leaders with impunity, too, as recently as a few decades ago.
Next time you're buying Tommy Hilfiger and wondering why it's made over there instead of over here, remember that it's partly because they can still torture and kill labor leaders over there, and not over here.
Unions are still relevant, and still a necessary check on the power of impersonal corporations. Everywhere.
By Sarath Kumara
April 17, 2012 | World Socialist Web Site
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