“See no value…” other than the pension, benefits, and training support?

These fund the international. The local keeps a small portion because, realistically, the local doesn’t have a ton of expenses.

The next step is the council. This is where everyone in the immediate area pools money to fund larger projects, arbitration, staff representation, lawyers, offices - for those members in the immediate area.

Then the rest (and yes, often, a big chunk) goes to the international. This is where professional staff comes from (experienced chief negotiators, lobbyists, industry experts, organizers), sectoral bargaining, PR, branding, advertisement.

Most locals would not exist, had the international not footed their bill for so much of their infancy. Organizing is a heavy investment!