Simply from reading the forums here, you can get a great feel for why airline unions will never be as effective as they should be, especially at the regional level. It seems as though we airline pilots generally have the attitude of every man/woman/airline for themselves. Want proof? Look at the difference between TSA and XJT. Sure, they fly for different codeshares - but they fly the same aircraft for the same union. For another example, take a look at TSA & Mesa: same aircraft for the same partners, but a huge difference in pilot contracts. Until pilots are willing to stick their necks out for pilots at OTHER carriers, management everywhere will be able to rake us over the coals.