I've been out of the work force for almost 20 years. I had a union job, I was also a president of a now defunct local.It wasn't the wages that drove away the jobs in the area where I lived and worked. It was just a matter of the companys not upgrading,and moving to low areas[where the wages went up anyway]tax breaks to relocate plants, and the taxes eventually went up there also. But I was able to buy a house, put my kids through college[with help], and live a fairly comfortable life. My pension was not union negotiated, nor were my medical benefits.But because of the prevail9ing wages in that area, there was a competition for reliable workers.That area is now considered "rust belt" Schools have dertriorated because of smaller tax bases. But thats all history, I got MINE,and now you guys scramble for yours,Have you made any plans for your retirement? Got any put aside for the grandkids education? I'm learning to live with far less, but when I look at the bleak future for some of the americans that are being born now, I'm glad I'm old, and near the end of the trail.