This:
What we need is a union president and MEC and NC chairman who listen and care what the crew force think.
I agree with. This:
But I can't see how a team of hired negotiators would do any better. First off, they would not be able to cut any deals on their own and would have to run everything through the prez and MEC, just like now.
is kind of like saying a good divorce lawyer isn't worth the money because he has to run everything through you first.