I've had union activists working for me who were a nightmare. I've also had just as many non-union workers who were lazy tykes.

The one closed shop I worked in was a revelation. The union (TGWU) was one of the most professional sets of people to work with. Sure they stuck up for their members, just as I held out for my employer's best interests. But they also came up with some great initiatives and in many ways were a real support to management. In the end the company's US owners shafted all the staff, trying to raid the pension pot. The TG immediately waded in and ponied up the funds to fight them in court, welcoming management into the fray as well as their members.

US management (in my experience) tries to trample unions and refuses to see the benefit of them. UK management is a little less aggressive, but not a lot. In Germany the workforce and unions are seen as partners, sit on the Board, help deliver the success of companies. In these hard Economic times one of those countries is resilient and wealthy - go figure!