If unions are a good idea, and we're all in theory smart, why aren't we unionizing more?
Because 'we' all think we're way better than the average coder. There will be winners and losers in any collective bargaining scenario, and we're all convinced that we're the special one that can get a much better deal arguing out own case. 'We' don't want to be dragged down to the median by a bunch of dead weight 'losers'.
Realistically collective bargaining leads to a dual effect of the median salary rising while at the same time more people will end up earning closer to that new median. So it's hard to put a percentage on how many will 'suffer'. But that fear of not being rewarded for your perceived potential is very real.
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, collective bargaining is about more than just salary. Non salary aspects like paid vacation days, generous sick leave policy, paid overtime, maternity/paternity leave policy etc. etc. can also positively effect people even if their salary doesn't increase.
Because 'we' all think we're way better than the average coder. There will be winners and losers in any collective bargaining scenario, and we're all convinced that we're the special one that can get a much better deal arguing out own case. 'We' don't want to be dragged down to the median by a bunch of dead weight 'losers'.