I've owned a shop, and I'm in a union..not IAM...
Unions have only one goal, that is to procreate and grow, and become more profitable and powerful. I've never seen any evidence of a union, certainly not mine, supporting a new business in any sort of practical manner. They're too busy trying to recruit and build a bigger pyramid.
If you were to offer the same or better pay/benefit package that the union does, you shouldn't have any shortage of good applicants. And like Geof points out, a union card doesn't ensure anything except an employee with a strong legal team to make sure you're being nice.
Part of the union issue also can be where you're located.
When I was in entertainment on the road, I belonged to the IATSE, Local 1. In Chicago, New York and Las Vegas I couldn't work without a card. But in Ohio, one town was impossible to work in without a card, yet down the road they couldn't care less. (I got shut down DURING a show in one hotel in Chicago because I wasn't in their local...yet across the street at the Palmer House I worked 4 weeks a year with no problems!!)
Personally, if you run a good solid business and treat your employees well, you shouldn't need the union. Unions are for employers that need continual guidance. Like mine.
