Unions and the decline of three industries

[classical_hero]

I live in a city where unions (many times thugs) have a stranglehold on the convention business and it's costing the city. Chicago, formerly the No. 1 city in the country for trade shows, ranks third behind Las Vegas and Orlando, Fla now. The city has been negotiating with unions and contractors to address trade organizations' complaints about Chicago's labor costs and work rules. This should not be a consideration imo.

The stringent work rules are among the factors in the National Hardware Show left Chicago for Las Vegas after splitting with its longtime sponsor. Exhibitors despise that McCormick Place has so many unions that require well-paid tradesmen to perform even the smallest tasks.

The unions just negotiated a mighty large pay raise this week and promise to lower costs for exhibitors. I'm a bit skeptical to say the least.
http://www.suntimes.com/output/business/cst-fin-labor23.html

I know exactly what it is like to be in a city where some industries are being overrun by unions. There is a major infrastructure project going on right now that has had many troubles caused by unions, and unfortunely about 99% of them have been unjustified. Thankfully they are facing prosecution and could face fines of up to $28,600 as a result of these illegal actions. Considering that all the strikes that they did had cost the company $14 million and had lost them 70 days work as a result of these actions. Thankfully we have a government that is willing to stand up to them and say that enough is enough, which is why they are facing massive fines.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,19710755-601,00.html