I enjoy the security of being in one of the biggest unions in the US. However, it does have its drawbacks not because of the organization, but because of the overwhelming need for power and control. Unfortunately, due to cliques and "drinking buddies" the majority are what we call "union mafia". This is due to total control of the department. Promotions are not done fairly. They are given to high ranking "mafia" that even though they do not have the experience, they are given the promotion due to mafia status and status within the "good old buddy"system.