On the other hand my general impression is that there's a decent sized segment of the poor who are sexist and/or racist and/or homophobic. And a significantly larger group who isn't willing to make a major issue out of that sort of prejudice. The track record of unions on pushing equality isn't all that great.

You pointed out that equal opportunity at the upper reaches of society isn't going to do anything about class. I agree. But I think the reverse is equally true.