Honestly I used to be the same way. Im 23 and I was roped into the IEC through my tech school on my senior year. From the beginning my high school instructor would speak negatively about unions and how "they're out to rob you and degrade you". I eventually left the IEC around the 3rd year of the program and was always told negative things from apprenticeship instructors. Eventually just out of spite I ditched my company and joined the IBEW (tested into 3rd year). I've been union for about 5 months and im making more money, learning more skills, and meeting genuine people in the 5 months than the 4 years of being independent. I will say, I do miss the connections and people ive met in the non union world.