I don't have any real problem with you being union. (I may not like it, but it harms me not) In it's day the IAM (I'm assuming) was not a bad bunch... Back when they served almost a a college for the trade. Training apprentices, finding a new place for a machinist when one needed a job...
The machinist union as it is today, is nothing more than a political machine. When Hillary Clinton was running for president, she stopped by the locals office. I saw her, standing right next to man who I to paid all that money to in order to keep the worst job I have ever held in the field. (he was jumping up and down, red in the face screaming Hilary Hilary Hilary....) That's not how I want my money used. I don't want any of my money going to either a republican, or a democrat.
So for as you being over paid, good for you, I would take extra money if it was offered to me, but that would lead to less job security in the long run.
The 9000/9001; I don't know much about it, I have never worked for a shop that uses it. I make prototype molds, I don't do much actual production.