[zbyte64]

> They have to compete against other businesses to hire skilled positions.

Yes, but because they are a collective when they "purchase" skilled positions they are usually asking for more than one hire. Yes they are competing against other businesses, and the perspective hires are competing against the other hires. By the numbers, there are fewer businesses hiring then there are workers looking for that position. In other words, the businesses have more leverage then the workers in the form of purchasing power. The laws of supply and demand favor the business if there are no unions.

Edit: FYI: supply and demand for labor is equal when unemployment is at 0%.