Yet in many countries Unions are a well established and crucial part of society. Also in the US they used to be more powerful.

And why do they put out so much propaganda against Unions, Environmental protection, etc.? Because they are scared. They know the power people have, if they unite and demand change. We didn't get womens voting and non segregated civil rights from people just voting and being pessimistic. Those were longer struggles, but they worked in the end by not relenting and gaining momentum, until their voices were heard.