Good post, and fair...
Perhaps you are unaware that we too enjoy seniority and an annual bid...
and you are accurate about job protection. What most guys don't want are to work hard only to never get the opportunity to move up because the lazy continue to be protected. I have sat in on some grievance hearings over my time. foolish to get into details here, we could argue all day.
And, as someone who has managed in that environment, I will tell you that employees get very tired of having to work harder to carry the lazy man.
I haven't seen the new flexibility in the new contract, but I am glad for it, mainly for you guys, because it is long overdue and will allow you to compete more effectively..