-Provide a basis for work structure. More specifically a system for work skill(s). Apprenticeships, Journymen, Foremen, etc.
-Education and Training associated with these status'. Must prove with training and experience your worth and skill level.
-Cheaper health care. As a collective bargaining group, they can reduce the overall costs while increasing the quality of care by the strength of said Union.
-Provide a more livible wage. This can be subjective, since some Unions are overpaid and some arent getting that much more than the minimum wage. This is also a two way street. Yes, I agree that the UAW of old were way over compensated. But the car manufactorers aren't innocent in agreeing with those costs, especially when there products were inferior to most of the competition.
-Provide a representative to work conditions, safety and other work related issues. This I also subjective as I can say that my Local is very weak in the representation of us to the contractors. It is better to have this than nothing at all.
Unlike what the college drop out Walker has stated, Wisconsin isn't
"Broke".
The public sector unions already agreed to the cuts that were proposed, but that wasn't good enough for the Plutocrats (Koch Co, etc) that are behind this. It's simply union busting. An opportunity to roll back worker rights that we all enjoy. The loss of collective bargaining is what started these protests.