Strikingly Misguided
The Wall Street Journal
August 31, 2005; Page A8
More than a week into the first major carrier strike in the U.S. inÂ
seven years, Northwest Airlines is showing every sign of surviving.Â
At this point, some 4,400 mechanics and aircraft cleaners ought to beÂ
asking some hard questions of the union leadership that handed themÂ
their picket signs.
By the end of last week, Northwest had announced that its flight-
cancellation rates and number of planes out of service had recoveredÂ
to acceptable levels. Northwest's replacement workers allowed theÂ
airline to complete 98% of its scheduled flights on Friday, and theÂ
carrier is in a position to begin permanently hiring them. Now theÂ
talk is that Northwest may break the strike.
Whatever the outcome, it's evident that the losers in thisÂ
confrontation have been the rank and file of the Aircraft MechanicsÂ
Fraternal Association, led by AMFA chief O.V. Delle-Femine, whoÂ
pushed the strike strategy. But Northwest had spent months preparingÂ
for this eventuality. The employment market was full of able aircraftÂ
mechanics who were willing to cross picket lines for a job. OtherÂ
unions that had already come to terms with the economic realities ofÂ
this industry and the potential for a Chapter 11 filing showed littleÂ
support.
As is often the case with strikes, Mr. Delle-Femine didn't give hisÂ
rank and file an opportunity to vote on Northwest's final offerÂ
before he called the strike. The union has no strike fund, andÂ
employees are receiving their last paychecks. Health-care benefitsÂ
run out tomorrow. What was AMFA thinking?
Whether Northwest will survive a brutal airline environment isÂ
unclear. What is clear is that AMFA's leadership has ensured thatÂ
many employees won't be around to share in any future success.
[post="295998"][/post]