[WS:] No doubt. But this is the problem. On the one hand, you have unions engaged in practicalities of everyday life matters, on the other hand - academic intellectuals discussing abstract theoretical matters of little practical relevance. And there is very little middle ground of strategic planning that transcends short term workplace goals and sets long term political goals.
This is, of course, nothing new. Lenin saw the limits of trade unionism some 100 years ago. Fitch pointed out the same problems some 100 later. What is disconcerting is that, by your won admission, unions refuse to change their approach and learn from the successes of their adversaries even though organized labor is losing on all fronts.
I know, of course that you do not advocate launching a revolution - but what you seem to propose is more of the same union business that does not have much to show for - at least for the past 30-40 years. it is not difficult to foresee the outcome of this approach in not so distant future - the extinction of labor as organized political force.
Wojtek