It's incredible how much time members waste on trivial matters rather than discussing the important things of the job, like pay, benefits, (especially medical insurance), pension, working conditions, equipment, promotions/career development, due process on regulations, and such.
All this gossipy BS will not matter after you retire but the other stuff will, and in a big way. Unless you want to go to work for G4S or be a crossing guard or cut grass after retirement because you need the cash, or have to pay for medical insurance, etc.