Its low alright!
Before signing the "contract", they said that the company policy is FO will get FI pay, which is FO pay - $1000 for the first three years (after checked out), and resume normal pay after that. I am in my fifth year and still getting FI pay and was given an excuse that the company is not making money! And they said no where in our contract says three years! What about the policy? you might ask, well... its top secret and hidden from employees. (pilots)
As for Union? all I know about them is paying union fee every month, thats it!
Nothing to worry about if you can not join!