Hi
I'm a member of Cabin Crew 89, as are the majority of my colleagues.
Off the top of my head, I <think> they represent Virgin, Monarch, Airtours, British Midland, Brittania, plus a fair few others.
As of yet, (thankfully), I haven't had to use them for representation, but know of someone who has.
As for terms and conditions, my airline are now being "forced" to recognise certain constraints, (for them), such as leave, FTL, and crew rest. Although we are getting a better deal on these and other issues, it is STILL not the one we want - there is a long way to go before such barriers are broken down. This, I believe, is because employers such as chartered airlines have had the proverbial ball in their courts, (regarding employee rights) for a long time; the arrival of this union has, (I think), come as a bit of a shock to them, and old habits die hard.
So yes, my personal opinion is that having ANY union is an improvement on no union at all, (and I don't have socialist tendencies). It does make the employee feel that there is at least some representation and possible protection, should they require it at any time in the future
ariel