I hired into feeder 15 months ago off the street. Now I am torqued that the union didn't call me years ago and tell me to apply. Such BS, I hate the union now.
Like I said, print this up, find people you know at your hub that you trust and ask for their advice. Every hub is different so I won't know what's going on in your's. But ask around, get different opinions. Don't just trust what the shop stewards are telling you.