''''That is, to improve workers pay and conditions? Especially...

''''That is, to improve workers pay and conditions? Especially for low skilled workers who dont have the 'right stuff' to negoiate on an equal footing with their employers?''''
nothing wrong with any of that ...but there's nothing there to suggest that they need to be political either ...
I don't think anyone would mind workers being involved in secret ballot co-opreatives ..in individual industries ..with specific applications ...the more productive and profitable a company is ther more opportunity it supports.
But our unions are political organisations set up to fund left wing parties protecting workers is ancilliary..and thats where it all goes wrong..
the solution is to ban them completly and have workers set up ther own arrangements under there own free will.That takes the politics out of it completly and puts the focus back where it should be at the work place.people don't need politicaly motivated socialist , communist bullies to get what they want ..there are laws and processes to be followed to make sure that the general public are protected, ..and every one has the right and opportunity to improve there position its a free country ..or was at least.
people are better educated and resourced and
Communications , facilities and laws are entirely different from the 1800's, there is no need for political trade unions.