Actually, the union wasn't the biggest cause of the problems - Colt was...that is, Colt INDUSTRIES.
The holding company that owned Colt firearms basically sucked all the profits out of the gun division and killed all efforts to modernize - wouldn't allow any reinvestment in new designs and equipment. The clones were made in startup operations, in new factories, and guess what? They could be made cheaper on modern CNC equipment, and the guns were also fitted tighter.
Colt did have quality problems in the '80's. I saw one Diamondback with the logo stamped upside down. Dad bought a .380 Government Model, that was a neat concept - and fired twice with each trigger pull. After warranty service, he still didn't trust it, and sold it.
Colt Industries did the exact same thing to Holley Carburetor, and to Fairbanks Morse - both premier companies in their fields when the 60's began, now shadows of their former selves. My brother worked for the latter, and he was appalled at how that company's reputation was squandered.
The 1911 was designed to function when extremely dirty, on a battlefield, hence it is kinda loose. Even on a target range, guns get dirty, and I have seen a number of tight-fitted clones jam as soon as they get dirty. Do all of them jam? No, but I have seen it happen.
I own two Colts of fairly recent manufacture - A Defender and a 1991A1. Both are very reliable, and both can out-shoot me any day. The 1991 has been mildly customized by me. The Defender is bone stock, except for a Wilson mag.
In layaway at the moment is a used Series 80 Enhanced Gold Cup. It will get mild tuning, but the trigger is already better than most clones I have seen, including some higher grade Kimbers. I did verify that the Series 80 firing pin safety works, too. The price is well under what a Kimber Eclipse or Gold Match costs.
I have no qualms about buying newer Colts. I wish them good luck, and will patronize them whenever practical.