Unions always have a higher overhead and burden (15%) for the union
Usually at least 20-35% in ca. (answer) yes always cost more (union scale)
And if you go to the State & Federal websites you will see the P/W scale is much higher
Depends on what Project, Type Project, Where the Project is located, Demographics of the area
Average Example laborer: 12-15.00 normal vs union 25-45.00
After the economy dropped and many of the co's went to lowering the pay scale, and benefits this changed the view of the unions
I would say as a whole that union jobs have kept pace with the economy and protected their investments (their employees)
Not to say I like unions, but they are necessary to protect the workforce
The Common Employeers out their put more on the employees backs, shortened the work week, and went to outsourcing the labor pool, cutting moral, limiting incentives to stay and be a great employee.
This make's a weaker economy and a dumber labor pool, creating an environment of cheep labor or personnel. Requiring More, giving back less.