RRhoads: don't fool yourself, the union is not the hand that feeds. If anything, the union is the symbiotic parasite which would not exist without the hand that feeds OR those that bite who are willing to trade their dues for the services rendered. Although, I would wager that many are not willing to trade their dues for the services rendered, they simply have no choice. Yes, yes, you are right- they could leave. What a choice! Next you will start telling me how government inefficiency and waste are good for us...