Unionization rates in the private sector have reached new lows in the Carolinas and beyond. (see The Carolinas: Least Unionized states in the Nation). More than 93% of the private sector employees have expressly or implicitly declined unionization. In effect, they are not “buying” the services being promised by unions. Some employees realize that unions seldom can guarantee that any of those promises will come true, while others are skeptical about the unions’ motives. Rather than crafty promises, the actual sources of competitive pay, safe workplaces, and similar benefits are through progressive employers, satisfied customers, quality products or services, and statutory protections.