This appears to be the sign of the slow, sad death of the labor union. While I think unions still have a place, they have failed to change with the times to remain relevant and needed (particularly where there are labor laws that address many of the concerns that led to unionization in the first place). Nowadays, the public has little sympathy with union workers particularly where productivity among union workers is perceived to be much less than that of non-union workers. (Not sure whether the perception is true or not but I have heard many anecdotes that propel this belief)

While a more splashy display would bring more attention, unions need to find the way to change the national dialogue about their place in society. Much like global warming was pretty much ignored up until almost a year or two ago. The dialogue was changed by the efforts of environmentalists, and the tipping point was reached.