Fro most, it always has been
I'm glad that things work so well at your company and that employees are fairly compensated. But it seems that's the exception, rather than the rule. Unions gained power because they addressed the inequities in the workplace. Of course, many of them then abused that power. Human nature, unfortunately.
During the hard times, like now, it isn't the top level people who necessarily get hit hardest. As anyone who has ever been laid off in a downturn will tell you. Unless the owner/executive is in danger of losing his home or being unable to feed his family, what he's going through doesn't begin to compare.
In my job, I work hard to do things right. And I go above and beyond every day. Plus, I make an extra effort to make my supervisor look good when preparing things for him to present or send out. Not because he will reciprocate. After 20 years, I know that my welfare is only important to him as it affects him. But I think of myself as a professional and I know that the impression he makes on others affects the perception of the organization as a whole.
If you can't find good hard-working employees, it may be because they're afraid to leave their jobs, they're burned out or they've learned to be mistrustful and resentful of the their employers. Whether you personally deserve it or not. Employees have learned to look our for themselves, because they don't expect the company to do it.
