opinion of mandatory union dues......

[Filuwaúrdjan]

That depends what you mean by "mandatory union dues". Do you mean that if you join a Union, you should have to pay dues towards it? Then yes. I also see no problem with money from dues going towards political parties, although I do support members being able to "contract out".

If you mean do I support the closed shop, then in most circumstances no.

Interestingly enough, Union membership rose over here last year.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

not what the union demands which is usually excessive to what the company can provide and afford.

With a few exceptions (largely down to the public sector unions these days) that's not actually true.