The union housing co-ops are just another perk the union provides some of its members. They don't have nearly enough co-ops for all members. They are extremely

The union housing co-ops are just another perk the union provides some of its members. They don't have nearly enough co-ops for all members. They are extremely popular - rent significantly below market rate, and no land lord as the co-op is administrated by the residents themselves. Otherwise, those apartments are completely normal and indistinguishable from any other development in a central urban neighbourhood. And yes, union jobs pay decent salary in Europe. Probably one of the easiest/safest ways to a middle class life, especially without going to college.