I asked similar questions in new hire class of our Union reps. One question went: "Hey, a lot of us haven't been in a union before and aren't familiar with the ins and outs and what it's all about or how it works. Would you mind explaining to give us a picture?"

The answer went something along the lines of: "Well, the union works to improve the pilot contract." Okay, but what about dues and hierarchy structure and elections and member involvement? I pressed him a little more and he just reiterated the same thing. Knowing what I do now, I genuinely think this particular Union representative has Asberger's and a tough time with basic communication. You were probably talking to him.

It's true, our Union isn't renowned for its effective and expedient negotiating. Don't hold your breath. We had someone good heading up the Negotiating Committee and they just resigned; the reasons can only be guessed at. She might've been too aggressive for the rest of the union MEC (Master Executive Council, pretty much what it sounds like), maybe she decided it was a pointless uphill battle, or maybe she saw the ugly underside of ALPA and couldn't in good conscience continue working for an entity that actively or at least passively keeps downward pressure on dues-paying regional pilots. Your guess is as good as mine.

Edit: By the way, congrats pilot207. Hope we can all get there someday soon.