I have only been in one union shop and I found myself constantly frustrated with them. We wanted to switch to 4-10 schedule but we couldn't because the union shop said they would have to pay OT. We wanted a night shift but couldn't because the union insisted the senior people had the right to make junior people change shifts whenever they wanted. We had some people get caught logging in for OT and then goi g to beeakfast, twice. The unio n protected them.
The job I got had similar benifits and pay much more flexibility. If wanted time off all I had to do was clear it with my manager who was a reasonable chap. I negiotedmy own salary and left when I was offered more money.
I dont know that much about unions in othet countries I just know I don't like they way they are run hear. Sorry but you shouldn't make 65K a year for job it takes a week to learn.