Also, tdu members generally are more optimistic than most. Most non -tdu members are very skeptical if not actually cynical of all union leaders.Most are kind of clueless to the actual workings of the union. Most dont vote and most dont show up at union meetings. You go to any tdu meeting and close to 100% of tdu members show up. You go to a tdu convention and probably 80% of members attend. Why?? Because they are committed union people willing to go far and above just showing up at a local union meeting.
As for scare tactics, lol, you must be kidding me. It is the Old Guard who uses scare tactics about that confounded TDU, They are afraid of losing their well paid positions in the old guard hierarchy-the multiple salaries, the cars, etc. TDU activists are just that: well intentioned activists who think things need to be fixed. And for that they are called names and at times beat up by old guard thugs who fear democracy and outside the box thinking.
And no one is trying to "take over the union". TDU works to empower members to THINK FOR THEMSELVES. Yes we have a point of view: it is basically very progressive in its politics and are true believers in the power of real democracy in our union and the faith in the power and views of the RANK AND FILE not the lazy, worn out old guard who push weak contracts and stifle decent!!