hey country dog,
Take if from someone who has followed that path. You can’t do both. Crusader for working conditions or wheelhouse candidate? Choose one. I suggest the wheelhouse but follow your own course.
BTW, if you choose crusader for changing the terms & conditions of your employment be prepared to go it alone. Your so-called supporters will turn out to be “galley warriors”; only willing to speak up while safely away from earshot of the boss. They will “hold your coat” while you do the fighting for them.
Even if you do manage to change anything, your co-workers won’t give a f*&k and will label you a troublemaker. You will eventually become an outcast to most companies and your own shipmates. Your shipmates deserve whatever treatment or representation they get, good or bad, because they allow it. Don’t fight for a bunch of sheep, they are happy on their path to mediocrity. Advance your own ass, no one else will.