Unions are what made this country great, yet also what caused this situation. When people expect to be paid $30/hr for screwing off and maybe driving a fork lift a few times, this is what happens. That is NOT to say all union employees do that at all. But labor costs are what pushed production overseas. Nothing else
My perspective on this is that while labor costs were certainly a large factor, from the late '80s onward, companies that used to be family-owned and operated changed hands. Where the former ownership was interested in making a dollar, they also believed that they were there to provide a living to the employees as well. As they aged, their heirs didn't always feel that way, and sold outright, or went public and now answered to shareholders and the board. Most shareholders were in it for the return ($$$), didn't really care about the history or the employees. This is also where the labor costs became an issue, outsourcing would add even more to that return. You see it on Shark Tank all the time, first thing they want to do is get it made overseas for less money.
I worked for a collision shop owner who would discount jobs heavily to keep work flowing so his employees would make a living, and the shop would net very little. This wasn't always the case, but did happen from time to time when things were slow.
Ultimately, as the retail market moves toward fewer and fewer players/manufacturers, and the public continues their quest for the absolute cheapest price, trying to buy a quality anything is going to become even more difficult.
I once lived (for quite a few years) in a town dominated by one major tractor manufacturer. The problem was, the tractor company employees all wanted top dollar and every possible benefit, but wanted to buy everything for their daily lives at the absolute cheapest retailer. Collecting $30 an hour wages and expecting to buy life's necessities at $1 an item doesn't last long.
