Fair enough, I'll revise my statement: the side effect of a union is to put a fence around the employers and drive wages up.
While you've identified their stated purpose, I can assure you after having been in multiple unions that they serve themselves first, then their members.
> I can assure you after having been in multiple unions that they serve themselves first, then their members.
The doctor's union for senior doctors in New Zealand is an exception to that rule.
I have had similar experiences as you with unions I have belonged to, but still, they were useful when I got into a dispute with those evil powerful people who had the power over me.
While you've identified their stated purpose, I can assure you after having been in multiple unions that they serve themselves first, then their members.