Have Unions outlived their usefulness

We have come a long way since John Steinbeck's days of Cannery row... America has changed and I am wondering if the usefulness of UNIONS have come to pass. Guy Cecil, DSCC, wrote that he has been watching what’s going on in Wisconsin, and it’s just one more example of how extreme Republicans have gotten. Guy accuses the repubics of trying to balance the national budget on the backs of those who can least afford it. Guy also observed that the repubics are launching an attack on teachers, prison guards and other public employees – the very workers who educate children and keep America safe. And, the repubics are trying to strip away most collective bargaining rights and increasing the cost of UNION health care.

On the other hand, Conservatives dispute all that DSCC and the progressives say indicating that UNIONS are breaking the backs of state budgets and hold the people of the country hostage while protecting their own benefits...

I am wondering?