Eric

At this point, I can begin to believe it's more a matter of evolution. After all, the 'red' trail of the United Fruit Company bears a striking resemblance (in ways) to the countless 'red' trails found in history throughout time.
Slavery leads to pyramids leads to the revolts leads to Aleric leads to the Dark Ages.
So much for Gaius Julius Ceaser's quest for spice.... No worries, here comes Britain.
India Indian massacres aside, ruling the waves leads to bread fruit leads to Blighs leads to mutinies leads to British courts leads to mariner rights.
Back from Cook's Island, the Napoleanic Code seems in order (right up to Wellington), an Austrian prince takes a final bow, & Germany (upon defeat & general ruination) sends the kids out to fight (time for a few child labor laws, at this point).
Point being, none of the above had Unions or the legislative blessings they bestowed (at whatever price, for whatever reason).
Back to Now: Depression leads to Teddy leads to Unions leads to technology leads to recession leads to....
Point being, I've yet to see a final answer.... I've also yet to see the sun come up in 2010.
"It would take an Act of Congress" is a fairly common expression. The whole world, right now, is desperate for a solution.
What I am fairly certain of is that it won't be a dusted-off Union of the Depression Era or anything else that's been tried, so far. If a solution exists, it will Very likely represent yet another step in the evolution of business-not-as-usual on Earth.
It's good to see debates like this. Taken in a 'Productive' fashion, they Are that evolutionary step.