There is definitely a need for incorporating more technology into the officiating of the game. With high def cameras, better communication & gps technology it shouldn't be that hard to get better & maybe even speed up the pace. We shouldn't need a chain gang & 5 minutes to spot the ball. I don't need a full "on microphone" explanation of every call by the on field ref. Maybe rather than throw a flag when something is questionable, refs on the field just talk to the booth on something they aren't sure of & the booth gives them the verdict
As for the ref union, why not just take some of the refs off the field & put them in the box monitoring cameras of their area of responsibility? These refs could be in stadium. Doesn't take away jobs, just reallocates the how & where.
Maybe then you only need one remote official to review \ step in if its a complex situation and the on site crew isn't applying the correct rules.
I don't want longer games but if we can get better quality in the same amount of time or less, I don't see why any sports fan wouldn't want that.