Snoopy - as good as this idea sounds, I would imagine that it is doomed to failure. Please don't misunderstand this and feel it is a put-down, as it is not meant to be.
Briefly - back in the dawn of time (+20yrs) when I first ventured into Ops, that company had a staff union, which was there to represent not just the ops staff but also those of passenger handling. Sadly within a short time it fell by the wayside, partly because of the attitude of the management, but more importantly the attitude of the staff - couldn't be bothered to come to any meetings. Staff unable to agree just what they wanted.
Since then and in all the other company's I have worked it was been the managements attitude - this is what you're getting like it or leave it. The art of negotiation has died other than for handling contracts!
A major hurdle you will need to overcome will be, being taken seriously. Ops departments on their own are very small units, and although the nerve center of an airline lacks teeth. On the basis you have 4 controllers + assistants, it is going to be 8 against the 'management'. Therefore, dependant on the structure of your company what other departments can you include that have a 'common interest'?
You will also need to decide just what it is you are looking to achieve with this union. Apart from salary (major player) what other terms and conditions are you looking to improve upon? Things that come to mind - pension, medical, travel concessions & leave.
Then you have to be very weary of not being 'tarred' as a 'problem employee', if you get my meaning.
All in all a contentious issue which I wish you well with.
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