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On 8/11/2003 7:01:53 PM RV4 wrote:
Bob,
I AGREE WITH YOU!
The travesty as I read it is that the Local Americans were not willing to step in and support a movement to stop the destruction of the transit workers in NYC. This left Quill with apparently no option but to accept funding from the Communist to protect and save working Americans from corporate greed. I don't really blame the man, however, my only point is that it also appears that the same saving influence also had a major impact on the writing of the TWU Constitution, and thus, we are currently faced with the inability to change the TWU from within, which leads to an AMFA type of movement throughout the industry, and good Officers such as yourself being held in contempt for advocating change.
The problem with the Communists was that they believed in a fantasy that greed can be eliminated from human beings. However as a group they had excellent organizational capabilities and that was their greatest contribution to the labor movement. Many were highly educated but naive, it took a long time for them to realize what Stalin really was. One thing that you had to respect was their courage, devotion to cause and tenacity. Even today, if there is a workers struggle, Communists show up at the scene and offer encouragement and support as other people shout out insults.
The main problem with the Constitution is that in reality its unenforcable in todays courts. Judges allow the President to do as he pleases, as in the recent Local 234 decision and our Contract, unless the Local or member can prove, his actions are "patently unreasonable" which is "practically impossible". So even if the Constitution says something, in reality it means nothing, the courts are allowing power hungry Union officials who have lost their way (thanks to the comfortable lifestyles they enjoy) ruin the movement. Ideals such as higher wages, increased benifits, shorter hours of work remain in the Constitutions but are ignored in favor of more members paying dues. After all more members paying dues make it easier to pay those $200,000/year salaries and the $900,000 rents.
I do not claim that every worker at American Airlines who supports the TWU is today a Communist, but I tire of the claim that we can somehow "change this union from within", when it is clear that dicators are in charge with a Constitution influenced by a history of Communist backing.
To me it seems more Fascist than Communist, either way its safe to say that democratic accountability is lacking. While in the least stringent standard it could be called democratic, in that votes are cast, in reality there is no accountable link between International officers and the rank and file. Change from within is possible, however, its very difficult. The best opportunity is the Convention which wont happen for another two years.However without an accountable, accurate transparent voting system in place the chances of any real meaningful reform are slight. There is some hope that in December Roger Toussaint will solidify Local 100 and have a united delegation, thats 120 delegates I believe, plus around 20 from Local 234 and maybe another 15 from the line locals. If you can split Tulsa and pick up the SWA flight atendants (who made progressive resolutions that were shot down) the Sonny team or Mike O'Brien team could be defeated.
It is ironic that a man that accepted funding from Communist was a leader willing to do anything to protect workers, while today we have leaders willing to do anything to defend corporate greed instead of the workers pay and benefits. What a contrast...
Greed, at $200,000/ year Sonnys claim that we are on the same team is pure rhetoric, we are not even in the same league.
Quill would be rolling over if knew Sonny Hall and Jim Little.
He would say "Tsh, tsh, tsh. Ta naire orm, I thought that little fecker Lindsly was bad".
Sorry if I struck a nerve with the Un-American postings, but that exact history is why we will never be able to change the TWU from within.
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58 AM _AMT_MCI wrote:
