I think they did used to be. I'm not sure what the hell they are now, except that they're lunatics. My father was a Democrat and a strong Union man. They weren't afraid to stand up and fight for their rights, but the Dems of today are something else altogether. I just realized something though. The Dems have always been the party that was for Unions and I'm sure THAT is why a LOT of people refuse to leave them regardless of what else they do. They are afraid that Republicans will do away with the Unions and to be honest, that's a good possibility. Without unions, there's little to stop Companies from treating the workers terrible and many, if not most, would. I also see the other side where many union workers abuse and take advantage of it.  I guess that doesn't help you much, but maybe it will help to understand your father in law's position a little better. Republicans have always been the "enemy" of Unions so to speak. I'm a Republican myself, but was raised by a Democrat, union father, so I can see both sides of that issue.