The American union tradition / behavior seems quite different than what I hear about elsewhere.

I'm interested in the European systems, but very very wary of the US systems. Too many US unions are really just bureaucracies on their own, emphasize seniority for pay, advancement, and etc, and seem to limit options for workers in terms of flexibility. And to some extent american unions become their own bureaucracy serving the folks embedded in that bureaucracy. Granted for some jobs that probabbly is ok, but for technical things, I'm very wary about flexibility and etc.

My experience with American unions has been highly disappointing and I'm skeptical about their ability to handle a more technical / fast changing world.