Abetted by most of the citizens of the US, either by apathy, ignorance or acceptance.
It brings to mind this wonderful quote oft. paraphrased by unionists:
"First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out — Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out — Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out — Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me — and there was no one left to speak for me."
-- Pastor Martin Niemöller (1892–1984)
Well US IT workers, welcome to the real world. While you have been living in your tech bubble for over a decade, this has been happening in one form or another to US factory and other workers for a very long time. People bellyached of course but nothing of substance was done.
Everybody lined up behind the republican or democrat soup kitchen line or just opted out and the country continued as it always has.
I cannot remember how many anti-union posts I have read on this very website over the years (although less so lately...too little too late of course) The ridiculous pontificating for "free-market", "libertarianism" or other bollocks with no scientific, moral or any other foundation at all.
And while you might cry "everyone else is the same, why pick on us?". But you are not the same. You had access to the tools of change the whole time, you are smart and capable.
This is what comes from being asleep at the wheel. You get what you vote for...even if you don't vote.
PS: I am not talking to the extreme minority who did something - congrats to you and I wish there were more of you.