[Superman]

Another benefit is the grievance process. Believe it or not.

Worker feels unfairly treated. Goes to management directly. Management says his treatment is not different from other, and told to get back to work. He goes back to work and sabotages a $200K piece of equipment and quits.

Worker feel unfairly treated. Goes to his union steward. Steward goes to the Business Agent. Business Agent meets with management (or maybe doesn't), then tell the worker that everyone is treated the same. Worker is given an opportunity to transfer to another job. Worker accepts that. Whether he leaves or stays, he has some trust in his representative.

Again, there are lots of folks like Matt who start construction companies and try to run them without partnering with the best labor source in town. One of two things happen. Either that company never becomes more than marginally successful.......or they figure out the advantages of that kind of relationship.