The U.S. Economy and Union Membership

Throughout history the state of the economy has played a significant role in union membership in the early twentieth century, the percent of membership was at a high due to the boom of the manufacturing and transportation industry. As the economy began to shift in the 50's from manufacturing to service industries union membership began to decline steadily.

1. Considering the state of the U.S. economy today with regard to the recent recession, how do you think the current economy will effect union membership, and why?
2. How do you think this recent economy will effect (if at all) white collar employee's attitudes towards unionization?