WRT negotiating ease, unions produce mixed results. Polarization + nepotism => potentially worse results. WRT "fear," the union system of Sweden is underpinne

WRT negotiating ease, unions produce mixed results. Polarization + nepotism => potentially worse results. WRT "fear," the union system of Sweden is underpinned by substantial government subsidies and wealth re-distribution. Comparing American v. Swedish union sentiments without macro context is pointless. For example, healthcare + retirement benefits are generally in play as part of union negotiations in the US. From The Economist: "It would be naive to think that [the Swedish model] can simply be copied elsewhere. Sweden’s citizens are strikingly committed to social cohesion, and willing to pay for a large state. A revival of America’s union movement would be likely to lead to growth-destroying rigidities. Equally, it is hard to see Americans accepting the taxes that would go with government spending of more than 50% of GDP. Sweden’s remake of the welfare state is most relevant in Europe, where in the aftermath of the financial crisis many countries are now struggling with unsustainable public finances, as Sweden did 20 years ago.[1]" [1] http://www.economist.com/node/21564412 http://www.economist.com/node/21564412