Final answer:
Unions in the US are considered less important than they were 50 years ago due to various economic shifts and legal changes. The share of US workers with union-determined wages is lower than in other high-income countries, showing decreased union influence. Thus (option C) is right answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The importance of unions in the US economy can be considered less important than they were 50 years ago. The proportion of U.S. workers belonging to unions has declined dramatically since the early 1950s, and this is reflected in various sectors of the economy. Several factors have contributed to this decline, including the shift from manufacturing to service industries, the impact of globalization, increased competition from foreign producers, and a reduced desire for unions due to the implementation of workplace protection laws.
When comparing the share of U.S. workers whose wages are determined by union bargaining to that of workers in other high-income countries, the U.S. share is lower. This difference indicates that union influence on wages in the US is not as strong as in many other developed countries, where union bargaining still plays a more significant role in the determination of wages.
Thus (option C) is right answer.