I would tread wearily when considering jumping from the AEU into the ALAE. I was involved in the ALAE in the early 80s and its taken involvement in another aviation union to realise that I was a bit naive in believing that the ALAE was the answer to the gripes we had back then. You need robust representation by a union with real power. By that I mean with officials having access to those with real power. Its a world away from a bunch of LAEs sitting around a crewroom plotting the downfall of the AEU. I would work within the existing union to improve the profile and aspirations of your profession. It wont be easy but the potential rewards would be greater, I feel.
Good Luck. but good luck