Roabilly,
LOL... Believe me brother I feel your frustration. With 32 years and coming from PIT I have been involved with the union in various capacities dating back to Teamster representation. The vast majority of those years as shop steward and Grievance Committee positions. What I have learned in those years is there is roughly 5% of the members who are either actively involved or at least "well educated" with the matters pertaining to union representation, negotiations under the RLA, duties and responsibilities of union leadership and language in the contract governing their own employment. The remaining 95% tend to follow this 5% or bury their heads in the sand. It is always refreshing having dialogue, with one like yourself, who fall within this 5%. Unfortunately, the reality of the situation is I, as a union representative have spent too much time and energy representing (holding the hand) of members who should have known better. I, as a union representative, have been a "sounding board" for every gripe conceivable from our members. Call it what you may... whining, bitching or meritless complaining but it comes from the remaining 95% in most cases. My point is... it would be great if we could improve this sad situation.By the way... and for the record... I don't read bedtime stories to anyone but my kids. And that ended years ago.
ograc