If security is your prime concern, and you feel secure where you are - stay there ... 'til you rot (j/k btw).

Someone once said that a person of ability must change their direction and career in life atleast four times to keep life interesting; a person concerned with the particulars of failure should be a postman (or such - not that being a postman is bad, they got a union).

It does sound that you are adverse to working with Unionized groups (even though you mention that Texas law has weakened their power and strength of unity), therefore, I doubt you would know how to cope with people that are empowered or equal in some aspects to management (assuming you will be a part of management ... ). Having worked on both sides of the Union line all I can say is that if you do not respect your workers now - stay the H away from Union workers. Ultimately, the unionists will test you and then fry you for breakfast - and you won't even know it is happening until your manager calls you in and says "Sorry Charly".

Of course if you respect the lowly working class (at minimum wage) beneath the toe of your boot - no sweat.

I would advise a two year guaranteed contract of wages - regardless of layoffs (and firing is all good, you get their money and your next wages).

Also, you might consider telling you present employers of your disatisfaction or feelings of limited potential. Include that others have made interesting advances to your joining their "teams" and you are giving serious consideration to them (do not tell them who, and I really hope you were doing all this on your home computer and not at work - "set-up"). If they say "good luck", or "let us see what we can do" - go. Go fast (or get ready to grab your ankles)! If, they ask if you have thought this out - say yes, but you feel like this company is your family and will hate to leave - but, increases in salary and elevation in stature (management level) - plus the potential .... etc. You may find that your present company has been complacent about you, because you have. Not that they haven't regarded you highly, but ... what the hey you seem to be happy where you are You know? If they ask what kind of counteroffer it would take for you to stay? Add atleast 10% to the offer of the company courting you - they may counter less, but you may get it (or atleast 5% over).

Finally: Always show remorse about leaving, never burn a bridge.

Benefits are a concern, but most reputable corporations take care of their managers much better than they do their workers (the low lifes that make money for the company).

Good luck with this. Be careful. Get a guarantee - of some type (or hire a negotiator - I am available btw, j/k).