I'll have to respectfully disagree...as you probably expected.
Agreed, union members pay dues for representation (I question the qualified part) in dealing with their employer and their money shouldn't be spent on Congress or any where else, only in representing them in dealing with their employer...their money being spent elsewhere is a clear cut example of mis-representation. I agree with JD, the union doesn't exist without its members and since unions are allegedly "non-profit", all monies should be spent on or representing their members.
Your Realtor/Attorney analogy is flawed...yes, both are paid by me to represent me but their services are done once the transaction/case has been finalized...I don't continue to pay for their services after I move in/acquitted. Under this analogy, members would pay the union their dues to represent them in organizing and once organized, their services would no longer be needed, such as the Realtor/Attorney, and the dues would no longer be paid.
I agree, the union, FedEx, etc..., has the right to look out for their best interest as long as it's done with their money, NOT mine or their members.