The union I paid dues to for years was totally useless. When I actually needed them on 2 occasions they did NOTHING to help me. I was optimistic when I first joined, went to the meetings, tried to be involved, then I saw what a powerless, stupid, money-wasting thing it was. I was more powerful on my own than under the protection of a union when it came to employment issues.
ClimbingPanther of course can't wait to become a member of the AMA - a Union in all but name.