You keep your principles, I keep my contract.
'Keeping your contract' is exactly why the TA you cry so much about was voted down.
If you're so desperate about getting more money, move to the sand box. There won't be any pesky unions getting in the way of you getting screwed by management there.
Or maybe, next time you sign a contract, do your homework and make sure you can make a living without foolishly hoping for a raise to make it work...