unions seem to help workers in the short run but how do they effect an industry in the long run?

They bring them down in crushing debt due to post-retirement pensions and benefits. Unions are a HUGE reason why the US does not have many manufacturing jobs left AND a reason why many states are on the verge of bankruptcy. They played an VERY important role over 100 years ago, but now unions are just sad entities trying to hold onto their power. Ever wonder why doctors, lawyers, and accountants don't have unions??......its because we are too smart to be tricked by them.