If I were an semi-worker who would otherwise qualify for a minimum wage, then what incentive would I have to even join a union under these conditions?
There’s no incentive. But joining may be mandatory. I don’t believe CA is a right to work state ...
It’s been a while since I really dug into union-related labor law, but I think the hurdles to getting out of a union if the employer actually wants one are significant.
“what incentive would I have to even join a union under these conditions?”
Back when my first job dealt with unions the unions had a tendency to beat people up or damage their cars if they didn’t tow the line.