I don't have a "thing" with unions qua unions.   I've actually done a good bit of work for them since I retired.   What so many don't get as they lump unions in with other "special interests," is the fact that unions unlike other "special interests" can compel people to contribute to them as a condition of keeping their job.   And if you believe that stuff about how dues can't be used for politics, let's talk about my bridge.

The trades and crafts had an interest in the viability of a company, since if the company failed, they lost their jobs.   They really didn't handle that well and ran most of their companies out of business unless they could get the government to intervene, e.g., the UAW and the auto bailout.   In the public sector unions are generally really lousy at actually representing their members, but they're really, really good at buying politicians; that's my "thing" with what passes for unions.