You opinion that working within the Union structure is the best way to effect change is correct - in theory. In practice, however, if you do not parrot the 'Party Position', you are disinvited from the table. I speak from experience as a three year volunteer and past interim chairman of a committee who didn't see it the the way the 'leadership' did on the POS LOA. I was vocal in my opposition here and was told very clearly that my volunteer service would no longer be welcome if I didn't drink a big glass of shut the f up...

Now that I'm no longer on that committee, I feel free to call a spade a spade. I don't think any of you "it's the best we could get" crowd are willing to support that position now. I've even heard some mea culpas from the "quit whining, you flexes have it too good anyway" crowd from the last contract. Hopefully, at least SOME people will begin to understand that we're ALL in this together and consider this fact when we discuss contractual issues...