Although I generally find myself at odds with unions and their viewpoints, I must confess a degree of sympathy (more on social than purely economic grounds) with those unions representing hard working, low wage employees such as janitors or hotel workers, and fighting to obtain for them a better standard of living, and a slice of the American dream. These workers aren't drug addicts, criminals, or lazy people looking for handouts. The man or woman who shows up every day, with a 'good strong back and a solid work ethic' to clean toilets or hotel rooms, deserves respect and reward. Frankly, I really don't care what very minor damage our economy may incur by paying them $11/hour instead of the $8/hour they're really 'worth'. It's good social policy.