I disagree, in the tech world, skills are what everyone looks at. Is it me or are more companies testing practical skills before the hire ? Skills and continual training count the most. The problem lies in that most bank on their current skills to keep them going in tomorrow's world. Won't happen because of the dynamic nature of IT. Unions hurt people, by taking their trust in themselves and their skills and placing them in an organization that appears to provide padding for one's lack of drive. The power rests in oneself.