Overall the unions do well, but unfortunately there are some real jerks out there. But this happens in all organizations, members should not be so libertarian. There is a tendency to condemn the entire labor movement because of the behavior of a few sorry asses. This brings me to another point. For the most part this is entirely false, but as always there are a few, probably less than five percent that abuse their commitment to the members.
Most delegates are dedicated trade unionists and have the members interests at heart.
The union conventions have turned into family affairs and the delegates often bring their family members at their own expense. Another myth is that the delegates make money at the conventions. This is entirely false. When I took union trips I was paid my wages minus overtime. I received travel pay, but I was only given twenty-five dollars a day meal money.