I get the impression that some American unions operate exactly as a cartel that also sets standards. I'm not against unions at all but the conflation of roles i

I get the impression that some American unions operate exactly as a cartel that also sets standards. I'm not against unions at all but the conflation of roles in the US is probably bad for workers long term. E.g. plumbers unions opposed waterless urinals, and then created a standard that required water pipes installing anyway - https://reason.com/2010/06/24/plumbers-unions-vs-waterless-u/ https://reason.com/2010/06/24/plumbers-unions-vs-waterless-u... Temporary job security, but long term makes people hate the union.