Union payments in Iceland are like $20 per month. I'm pretty sure union workers get at least 20 cents more per hour than non union workers to break even.
union busting tactics in the us are basically on toddler level. remember the pamphlet that was sent out to united airlines workers when they were unionising? "union dues are $600 a year. why not spend that money on a new videogame system instead?"
That'd still be a bargain. Many unions in Iceland pay 75% of psychological help, glasses and exercise subscriptions by doing some collective bargaining magic. They also provide "time shares" type of vacation bungalows and more.
All on top of higher salaries, better working hours and working conditions and will provide legal assistance in case of wage theft which my sister had to use one time.
Basically a quality of life upgrade that pays you money even though it may not say so on the pay slip.
Same at least for my union in the US. I haven't needed it, but it's there for the people who do. Most of the benefits like dental have better coverage through my employer, but I am sure it is more relevant for other bargaining units that they work with.
In the US standard is 2.5 hrs/month. I can't say for certain I made that back cash, but by the time benefits and job security were added i more than made it up