Unions came out of a period where company owners and management were increasingly antagonistic toward their employees in order for them (the employees) to get a fair shake and not be treated like cattle, at best.

That being said. I believe that it is the relationship between management and the employees which effects the overall moral of those at the company, there by it's overall performance, that matters.

A company that treats it's employees poorly, does not give a wet slap about them or the products...will not be as effective and/or profitable as one that does care.

C