Speaking solely and exclusively for myself, I've been skeptical of every organization attempt I've encountered in software because they all seem misguided. Too many talk about gaining political influence to push (insert unrelated policy goal here). A deeply disturbing number seek to create some kind of guild that can enforce (insert arbitrary personal moral code here) on all its members and render unemployable anyone who crosses it.
I do not find those attractive prospects.
I've yet to personally encounter a clear-eyed would-be SWE-union-organizer who is interested in sticking to nuts and bolts. "What's in it for me?" isn't a selfish question to be brushed off, it's the only question that matters.
For Tim Bray, and our anonymous AWS poster, "What's in it for us?" is, clearly, also a salient question.
It's true that ultimately "What's in it for me" is the only question which really moves the needle. Here, the answer is "an opportunity to raise issues with management and not get brushed off".
Today the issue is the treatment of FC workers. There's no way that this is the last issue that will ever arise.
I've found that appeals to solidarity, by themselves, rarely move the needle for enough individuals to make a large-scale difference. Your experience may differ.
Union-to-union solidarity might perhaps be a different question - organizations reason differently than individuals. Of course, this requires that both organizations already exist.
So, again, what's in it for me? The chance to "raise issues" doesn't sound like something I would want to stick my neck out for. The chance to have someone lecture me about the importance of solidarity doesn't sound appealing... for me.
In software, every organization attempt I've seen seems to be about "fair pay" meaning same pay for same job, arbitrary promotion/demotions, working extra hours with no compensation and job security (i.e. protecting people based on seniority from layoffs). Most of the time, the first part of the deal, moving from salary to an hourly wage, is a showstopper.
I do not find those attractive prospects.
I've yet to personally encounter a clear-eyed would-be SWE-union-organizer who is interested in sticking to nuts and bolts. "What's in it for me?" isn't a selfish question to be brushed off, it's the only question that matters.