I suspect the union doesn’t want positions filled. When somebody calls in sick, somebody else racks up overtime.
Hasn’t been working well, given all the canceled trains. There are also limitations on working hours, so one guy on overtime can’t work several trains for a long time over 24 hours.
And what union would not want its ranks swelled? It seems many do not, which seems counterintuitive. Definitely politicking here, and reminiscent of Red China and the way they use unions (the USSR too).