Crossword Genius

Uncooperative union may cause a financial problem (8,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

negative equity

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a financial problem' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'uncooperative union' is the wordplay.
'uncooperative' becomes 'negative' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'union' becomes 'equity' (I've seen this before).
'negative'+'equity'='NEGATIVE EQUITY'

'may cause' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for negative equity that I've seen before include "borrowing greater than assets - with 22d" , "unable to move for this?" , "financial problem" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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