There needs to be some balance. If the union rules don't allow me to move a PC 3 feet things are way out of whack. The unions are always opposed to any technological improvement because people may be laid off. Look at the dock workers strike on the West Coast, it was all about technology [link|http://www.examiner.com/headlines/default.jsp?story=n.porttoday.0710w|Dock strike about leverage]
"Major sticking points include benefits and the introduction of new technology that the association says will make ports more efficient and secure but longshoremen worry is a way to outsource jobs."

I don't have a good answer about what these people should do if they get laid off, but I know for sure that the answer is not to try to hold back technology, it won't work.