A union is a bit like a gun...

Not so good when the other guy has one, and you don't!

Musicians have always actively done most everything they could to emasculate their OWN union, and basically disenfranchise themselves from any sort of collective bargaining power.

So now, that union guy handles your gear, and goes home to his wife with a job (whether he's the best handler or not), and you have no power to make sure you do the same. Well done!