Regarding independant unions and contract items, Netjets negotiated a hell of a contract a few years ago. The original contract proposal was voted down and fresh blood was brought in after which the gold standard was quickly negotiated. Soon after, they left the Teamsters and formed their own union due to conflict of interests with the IBT.
If memory serves correctly, some of the highlights of their contract includes zero out of pocket for health care premiums and very little co pays. Every hotel they stay in earns them points enabling high level status and enough annual points to take a couple of free luxury vacations per year (hotel-predominantly Hilton). Vacation is 2 weeks/ year thru year 5 (I think) and 3 weeks after. 4 weeks after 10? As their schedules is mainly 7 on/7 off, a vacation period fits in between 7 days off, a vacation is essentially 3 weeks. 10 years gives 4 three week vacations/ year.
They can live at any of 50 to 100 or so cities in the country and can change every month if they wish. Positive space from these cities is on the house- no commuting. Crew meals are provided for 2 meals a day from which they order from a very extensive menu. They get per diem as well.
These are just some of their "goodies.". I have spoken with many over there and not one thinks they don't have the best QOL contract in pro flying. Yes, their operations is a little different than 121, however, it's sometimes the out of the box thinking which made them successful. Just because it hasn't " been done before" doesn't mean it can't happen.