Your not even an A&P and yet you claim to "subsidize" ramp and agents.
I did a little research on welder's compensation and this is what I found:
According to the Department of Labor, in 2006, the median income for a welder was $32,880 per year. On another salary website they break it down by different types of welders with the highest paid being both mechanic welders and pipe fitter welders at $41,000 per year. There are also variances for location. From what I have read in your contract, your rate is $32 an hour ($26.80 base pay+$3.45 welder's license+$1.75 crew chief pay). On a 40 hour a week basis, this equates to $61,440 per year. Your pay and benefits far exceed those of your colleagues in the welding trade. Add to that you live in low cost TUL and you are even better off. You are NOT subsidizing anyone, looks like someone else is subsidizing you. The only welders that seem to do extremely well are those who weld under water, it was written that underwater welders can earn up to $100,000 per year. But you weld on land, not under water.
While welding is indeed a viable licensed trade; a welder is not an aircraft mechanic anymore than is a machinist, plater, automotive, or facilities mechanic or even a ramper for that matter. An aircraft mechanic, meaning with an A&P, has to know and be able to repair or maintain all airframe (structure, electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, avionic) systems, engines, and HAVE THE ABILITY TO SIGN THEM OFF. You stated that you did some "mechanic type" work on the docks; well during the EAL strike, they had secretaries working in the engine shop. Anyone can do the work, BUT ONLY AN A and P CAN SIGN IT OFF.
The original intent of AMFA was to be a union of A&Ps ONLY, "the master class"- hence the name AIRCRAFT MECHANICS FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION. They reluctantly represent other groups because the federal government mandates it; in reality non A&Ps are about as welcomed at AMFA as Doug Steenland would be at an AMFA reunion. You are MORE skilled than a ramper or agent but LESS skilled than an A&P but you're paid almost the same as the A&P.