Union members dont realize that their own bigwig union leaders will be paid more than them. They wont be making CEO fortune 500 kinds of money, but their salary will likely blow past all of the normal folks.
The are similar to real estate agents. They'll do enough to get the job done so they keep getting rehired, but likely wont go the extra mile. You'd think an agent representing a home buyer would do their best to get a good deal because the interests of the client should come first. But the higher the price paid, the more commission they get so it's counter intuitive. Union leaders are paid a salary, so whether the deal struck is good or not makes no difference unless they get booted from the position. And when jobs do get cut, how often is the union leader fired to go along with the normal workers?
I mean, we try to get the best deal for our clients all the time. There are shady characters out there, yes, but most I've dealt with, try to get the best deal they can for their client. Through seller's concessions, buydowns paying interest rates or closing costs, less than asking price offers, etc.. All things that will impact commission, that commission hit is pennies on the dollar compared to the relationship you create with your clients. Referrals are king in this business.
We are also one of the highest regulated industries, and those who don't practice ethically, don't really last too long starting out. Now commercial, real estate that's a whole different shady beast that is not nearly as regulated. Wild West in comparisons.
But I digress, and get what you are saying.