Roadkill2,
I didn't reply to you sooner because I have been "under the weather" for several days. Thankfully, I didn't have to go to a doctor. And that's a good thing, because your wife is absolutely correct, our medical insurance isn't the best in the world. However, it is much better than where I used to work, because I didn't have any!
In the late 80's and early 90's, our RR unions focused on pay raises instead of better benefits. It wasn't until the late 90's that some benefits were even available, for example, prescription drugs, which everyone knows are very expensive.
I was just a teenager when some of the unions you mentioned were ravaged by their union bosses embezzling millions from the retirement pensions of it's members. If there is anything that gets a person's dander up, it's someone, anyone, stealing their retirement.
Since I was just a "average" railroader I didn't have any input on our national union contracts, no more than you or I have to our "national" political leaders.
Have a great day, dgh