It's also interesting to note that they work differently in different countries. For example: > I was recently talking with someone where the Union negotiated

It's also interesting to note that they work differently in different countries. For example: > I was recently talking with someone where the Union negotiated pay/benefits they got was less (before and after union dues) than the surrounding non-union competition. As far as I know this wouldn't happen in the Netherlands - unions have the legal backing to negotiate on behalf of all employees, member or not.