I think that first line sums up your attitude.
Yes it does.
I am proud that I am a member of a union that will support its members and actively work towards a better working environment for everyone.
I am proud that I am a member of a union that will act in the best interests of safety and give a voice to those who need to be heard.
I am proud that I am a member of a union who works towards protecting employee rights and proud of my union when it puts its neck on the line for a single employee who may have been treated unfairly.
I will support them and I will speak towards the value of a trade union to be one of positive goals for a railway that is better for everyone.
I know people are in it for themselves and I know that the union has its own failings. I know full well how they operate and full well that they will sometimes sell out and compromise their own beliefs.
Many on this forum will jump to the unions defence but when the time comes they look out for themselves because they are purely in it for "protection" I have seen my terms and conditions eroded because people will not support the union when the proverbial hits the proverbial. The strength of the union is a joke when its own members look out for themselves only.
There is a thread all about DOO/DCO and the unions stance on it. That is the value of a trade union. When we have a huge portion of the membership that will simply sell out to the highest bidder or jump ship when trouble strikes what kind of brother do you want to stand beside you ?
I'm by no means a cultist and I'm not naive either. I oft speak against some union practices and in all honesty I'm a little cynical but I have been both sides of the fence and I know which side I prefer. So forgive me if I'm being a little OTT but the question was asked about the value of the union and my belief is that it whilst unity is strength. True strength relies on the conviction of its members.