Plain and simple my experience at SWA since I was in the Teamsters, I perfer an Industrial union, I have no experience with the IAM or the TWU. The Teamsters at SWA were smart enough to get achievable increases in pay that were passable by both the company and the membership. AMFA raided us, because alot of people were pissed off the Teamsters paid more attention to UPS than our group. Most people didn't bother to vote after the card drive and AMFA won. AMFA was fine as long as it was a contract extension. Now full section 6, and we only have so much money, company just out spends us like the United States did the U.S.S.R., until we run out of options and have to make a deal and move on.
The teamsters also got us international outsourcing language that was used first to go to Canada, then used again to go to El Salvador. Fact this was under teamsters language that AMFA inherited after they came in. What AMFA did after getting and taking over the teamsters teethless contract language, they were able to get restrictions, rules, limited to only one international co. and even AMFA put a stop to the Canada outsourcing, plus on top of that AMFA was able to get headcount, and shop and positions protected in the contract even though the co. was going to do it because of the existing teamsters language---Facts.
Wrong. AMFA came in in a record 2 week or less card drive because the teamsters were told flat out, if they raise the dues without a membership vote they will be fired. They raised the dues and they were fired as promised. Yes, some were pissed how too much attention was being put in at UPS, but they will always do that as they are their bread and butter, period.
Yes AMFA did do extensions, all the extensions were through the rough times while others were taking concessions and layoffs or forced to relocate to keep their jobs. The last extension was to the co. wanted to just keep going as is and wait for the other airlines to start to catch up. AMFA has been ridiculed for only doing extensions during the rough times, 10 years, so they did do a small sec 6 as filed, and now they are doing another sec 6 and now they are getting slammed for doing that after taking all the BS from people like you that all they can do is extensions. Quit your dam bichin and whining. Which way do you want it?
You guys wanted a sec 6 from AMFA now you got it. Along with it came a 5 year pay freeze (AMFA was told this after guessing about 3 years) by the company. Co. never started to nego until after the 5 years, then they thought everyone would jump on the first low ball offer instead of making us all whole again. Especially for their 5 year pay freeze, they know it's gonna cost them now, but they always want to get by with pennies on the dollars just as you have stated in one of your post with the teamsters getting at least something that would pass, pennies on the dollar. The company was used to getting yes votes with the teamsters agreeing to lower increases than in the past and more outsourcing.
People whine and whine about AMFA not doing sec 6 contract, then they whine and whine when AMFA does do a sec 6 contract. AMFA will never win with the teamster guys.
And let's not also forget that AMFA made teamsters look like total dog doo at the nego table for integrating another airline.
All this above is all why teamster supporters and teamsters organization is so AMFA butt hurt.
A bit long winded but needed from time to time to help remind folks what really happened.
Remember the facts (sorry guys) it was the teamsters original language that AMFA inherited that allowed the international outsourcing--period... Enough said...
