The biggest breaker of labor unions has been globalization. If you can find a way to end globalization you can probably bring private sector unions back as a force. In addition the 'new economy' i.e. - technology, is not the type of field where labor unions are going to get involved. Without eliminating many of the new technological gains of the past two decades and the economic rise of countries such as China and India I'm not sure how labor unions will ever become a force again in the U.S. private sector.
If labor unions want to regain the grounds they have lost in the last 30 years the first damn thing they have to do is admit to them selves that they are broken and need fixed. The opponent of labor unions are weatlhy, with deep pockets and are very well organized. Labor Unions have to face facts that all is not well, that they have ruthless opponents who want to reduce or eliminate them all together. That this threat is very real and not exaggerated at all. The solutions for labor unions are not rocket science. It just takes organization and leadership that can get the job done, which they seem to lack the will to do, quite suprizing considering their opponents are very motivated. Here's some common sense things labor unions can do which would improve their position;
#1. QUITE BEING PUSSY's! The best defense is a good offense.
#2. Mobilize labor union support at a grass roots community level.
#3. Consolidate! Labor Unions have allowed their corporate opponents to "divide and conquer" and split them into ineffective small groups.
#4. Tell Democrats, politically, to GFO. How much more proof do they need that Dems take their money and their votes for granted. This is probably labor unions biggest mistake. They have lost their political independence.
#5. Slogans and Symbols. Labor Unions need to agitate and mobilize at a grass roots and community level. To do this they need symbols and slogans that clearly communicate their aims and goals.
#6. TAKE BACK THE STREETS! This ties into #1 and #4. No political party has labor union interest at heart. Only the labor unions can fullfill that mission. None of the issues affecting labor unions will be affected by any politicians (republican or democrat) unless unions use their single most important tool. The implied threat of mass demonstrations, rallies and mobilized communities.
Labor Unions can make a difference in the life of working people and it can negotiate a greater and more fair and proportional slice of the ecnomic pie for it's membership but it will fail to do so as long as they are proxy's for the Democratic party. Labor Unions need to make it clear to all politicians. Support our aims and goals and we will support you. If you do not support them or take them for granted we will mobilize against you, democrat and republican alike.