"I fail to see any connection with engineers which can easily move between jobs, command decent salaries and benefits and are more than able to negotiate better

"I fail to see any connection with engineers which can easily move between jobs, command decent salaries and benefits and are more than able to negotiate better conditons individually with their employers." What about the illegally low wages (although still very livable) that were created by these companies colluding. That's one way for employees to fight back.