Hey Twu - I've Got Answers To Your Mailout

[RV4]

Recently the TWU mailed some anti-AMFA material to my house.

In that material were several questions, that I can answer.

Question #1:

When President Bush started interfering in airline negotiations, who stood up and told him to butt out -- TWU and the AFL-CIO or AMFA?

Answer:

It was AMFA Members/Supporters from many Airlines that not only stood-up, they took vacation and personal time off and protested in Washington D.C when President Bush interfered in the AMFA/NWA negotiations. Once anti-labor Bush prohibited the strike, the TWU and AFL-CIO were nowhere to be found.

Here are the pictures to prove this fact:

http://www.the-mechanic.com/12-16mar01.html

I do not see ONE single TWU or AFL-CIO lobbyist in these numberous photos?

Interesting enough, the AMFA/NWA have a better contract via Bush interference than AA Mechanics obtained "without further ratification" from James C. Little.

Question #2:

Who is strong enough politically to persuade Congress to restrict contracting out aircraft repair work to foreign countries - TWU and the AFL-CIO, or AMFA?

Answer:

Most of us that have been in the industry for any length of time, now know that the TWU and the AFL-CIO have not been able to restrict contracting out to foreign facilities. In fact, the TWU doesn't even know how to define "restricting contracting out". The TWU claims that a simple "security audit" of Foreign Mantenance is a "restriction".

QUOTE FROM TWU WEBSITE:

Senate Passes Foreign Aircraft Repair Station Restrictions; FAA Bill Goes to Conference

The Senate passed an amendment by Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) that would require the FAA to do a 'security audit' of Foreign Maintenance Bases certified by the FAA to perform aircraft maintenance on planes used in U.S. domestic service. Any bases that fail to provide sufficient security protections would be subject to having their certification lifted.

I wonder why the "restriction" isn't in our LABOR AGREEMENT? Instead of demonstrating negotiating skills and gaining restrictions at the bargaining table, the TWU wants to rely on Politicians. That is why Foreign Outsourcing is still a problem after 15 years of TWU/AFL-CIO pandering.

Question #3:

When laid off airline workers we unable to get unemployment compensation extended after 9/11, who filled the media with protest for 12 long months and made it happen -- TWU and the AFL-CIO or AMFA?

Answer:

The extended benefits have now ran out! Why haven't the TWU and AFL-CIO renewed the cry for more help? If the TWU and the AFL-CIO had actually restricted foreign maintenance as they claim, these workers would be employed back into the industry and working instead of left on the street with expired unemployment compensation. Some TWU flyers claim AMFA at Northwest is outsourcing work overseas, and then another flyer claims the TWU and the AFL-CIO have restricted through legislation such practices. Which is it? How do you define success?

Question #4:

Who helped us publicly challenge excessive CEO compensation at the AMR Annual meeting and give Don Carty the boot for secretly lining his pcokets -- The TWU and the AFL-CIO, or AMFA?

Answer:

What about the other 45 crooks that were lining their pockets on the same plan? Who let them stay in charge and failed to hold them accountable? The TWU or AMFA?

Question #5:

who forced American Airlines to back off its demands for legislation taking away our right to strike and substituting biding arbitration -- TWU and the AFL-CIO, or AMFA?

Answer:

AMFA mechanics at Alaska recieved a better deal in binding arbitration, than mechanics at AA got from James C. Little "without further ratification" actions of the TWU.

Baseball arbitration sucks, but that would be far better than Jim Little and the TWU!

 

[MCI AFL-CIO]

Recently the TWU mailed some anti-AMFA material to my house.

In that material were several questions, that I can answer.

When President Bush started interfering in airline negotiations, who stood up and told him to butt out -- TWU and the AFL-CIO or AMFA

Here are the pictures to prove this fact:

http://www.the-mechanic.com/12-16mar01.html

I do not see ONE single TWU or AFL-CIO lobbyist in these numberous photos?

Interesting enough, the AMFA/NWA have a better contract via Bush interference than AA Mechanics obtained "without further ratification" from James C. Little.

Question #2:

Who is strong enough politically to persuade Congress to restrict contracting out aircraft repair work to foreign countries - TWU and the AFL-CIO, or AMFA?

Answer:

Most of us that have been in the industry for any length of time, now know that the TWU and the AFL-CIO have not been able to restrict contracting out to foreign facilities. In fact, the TWU doesn't even know how to define "restricting contracting out". The TWU claims that a simple "security audit" of Foreign Mantenance is a "restriction".

QUOTE FROM TWU WEBSITE:

Senate Passes Foreign Aircraft Repair Station Restrictions; FAA Bill Goes to Conference

The Senate passed an amendment by Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) that would require the FAA to do a 'security audit' of Foreign Maintenance Bases certified by the FAA to perform aircraft maintenance on planes used in U.S. domestic service. Any bases that fail to provide sufficient security protections would be subject to having their certification lifted.

I wonder why the "restriction" isn't in our LABOR AGREEMENT? Instead of demonstrating negotiating skills and gaining restrictions at the bargaining table, the TWU wants to rely on Politicians. That is why Foreign Outsourcing is still a problem after 15 years of TWU/AFL-CIO pandering.

Question #3:

When laid off airline workers we unable to get unemployment compensation extended after 9/11, who filled the media with protest for 12 long months and made it happen -- TWU and the AFL-CIO or AMFA?

Answer:

The extended benefits have now ran out! Why haven't the TWU and AFL-CIO renewed the cry for more help? If the TWU and the AFL-CIO had actually restricted foreign maintenance as they claim, these workers would be employed back into the industry and working instead of left on the street with expired unemployment compensation. Some TWU flyers claim AMFA at Northwest is outsourcing work overseas, and then another flyer claims the TWU and the AFL-CIO have restricted through legislation such practices. Which is it? How do you define success?

Question #4:

Who helped us publicly challenge excessive CEO compensation at the AMR Annual meeting and give Don Carty the boot for secretly lining his pcokets -- The TWU and the AFL-CIO, or AMFA?

Answer:

What about the other 45 crooks that were lining their pockets on the same plan? Who let them stay in charge and failed to hold them accountable? The TWU or AMFA?

Question #5:

who forced American Airlines to back off its demands for legislation taking away our right to strike and substituting biding arbitration -- TWU and the AFL-CIO, or AMFA?

Answer:

AMFA mechanics at Alaska recieved a better deal in binding arbitration, than mechanics at AA got from James C. Little "without further ratification" actions of the TWU.

Baseball arbitration sucks, but that would be far better than Jim Little and the TWU!

When President Bush started interfering in airline negotiations, who stood up and told him to butt out -- TWU and the AFL-CIO or AMFA


Could it be that the TWU and AFL-CIO were in meetings, with congress or other representatives?
The pictures I see are AMFA supporters holding signs accusing anyone involved, as a communist?



Question #2:

Who is strong enough politically to persuade Congress to restrict contracting out aircraft repair work to foreign countries - TWU and the AFL-CIO, or AMFA?

Answer:

Most of us that have been in the industry for any length of time, now know that the TWU and the AFL-CIO have not been able to restrict contracting out to foreign facilities. In fact, the TWU doesn't even know how to define "restricting contracting out". The TWU claims that a simple "security audit" of Foreign Mantenance is a "restriction".

How will AMFA stop farming work overseas without political clout?. Are we to beleive that AMFA will lobby to put a stop to using tax payers money to send overseas for repair work? I dont beleive AMFA will ask senate or congress to pass maintenace regualtions to protect the airline workers, yet they want to be the only true airline representative? If AMFA would win election, hold on tight, how many A&P mechanics and inspectors will be sent to prison because we know longer have the status of being protected by political aid? How many times in the last 5 years has an airline had serious damage and the airline or FAA wanting to discipline the mechanic, but they unions went to bat and were successful in creating new work guidelines, keeping the mechanics out of jeopardy?



Question #3:

When laid off airline workers we unable to get unemployment compensation extended after 9/11, who filled the media with protest for 12 long months and made it happen -- TWU and the AFL-CIO or AMFA?

Answer:

The extended benefits have now ran out! Why haven't the TWU and AFL-CIO renewed the cry for more help? If the TWU and the AFL-CIO had actually restricted foreign maintenance as they claim, these workers would be employed back into the industry and working instead of left on the street with expired unemployment compensation. Some TWU flyers claim AMFA at Northwest is outsourcing work overseas, and then another flyer claims the TWU and the AFL-CIO have restricted through legislation such practices. Which is it? How do you define success




Because of the TWU/AFL-CIO, workers laid off had the capacity of receiving extensions to their unemployment insurance, did AMFA help? Dont think so
Also because of the TWU/AFL-CIO, lobbying were able to receive compensation/aid to cover the expense of new training, to learn new careers, paid for the state/government Where was AMFA? How many AMFA union members receive compensation because of what other unions have done for members? Do we hear AMFA taking credit for this? I dont?
Has AMFA voiced its concerns over liad off workers anywhere? I bet you wont hear AMFA voice concern over members laid off from manufacturing jobs? Is AMFA providing aid to its workforce that has workers exhausting unemployment? But yet we all turn the AFL-CIO when we want aid



Question #4:

Who helped us publicly challenge excessive CEO compensation at the AMR Annual meeting and give Don Carty the boot for secretly lining his pcokets -- The TWU and the AFL-CIO, or AMFA?

Answer:

What about the other 45 crooks that were lining their pockets on the same plan? Who let them stay in charge and failed to hold them accountable? The TWU or AMFA?

Did we hear Dell or any AMFA officrs stepping up and telling us anything? Nope
It was our international that found and leaked the news, and did do something,
AMFA did one thing, stay quiet hoping to be successful in the raid on AA workers
while its true we gave the farm, it was done democraticly, members voted




Question #5:

who forced American Airlines to back off its demands for legislation taking away our right to strike and substituting biding arbitration -- TWU and the AFL-CIO, or AMFA?

Answer:

AMFA mechanics at Alaska recieved a better deal in binding arbitration, than mechanics at AA got from James C. Little "without further ratification" actions of the TWU.

Baseball arbitration sucks, but that would be far better than Jim Little and the TWU


What is AMFAs view on strikes? I dont beleive they want strikes because AMFA would lose everything in a strike without political contributions, who in politics would back AMFA,

 

[1AA]

[



What is AMFAs view on strikes? I dont beleive they want strikes because AMFA would lose everything in a strike without political contributions, who in politics would back AMFA,

Strikes don't work in this industry anymore. The TWU will never strike. They have no strike fund and the membership is always divided among all work groups. Try another angle. The strike issue is a dead issue.

 

[RV4]

Stop farming out using contract language instead of legislation.

Your International didn't "find and leak" anything. The SEC filing was filed and the disclosure came there.

Done democraticly?
Yeah, "without further ratification".

If you believe you must be attached to a politician to conduct a successful strike, then no wonder we are all screwed? Who do you call the TWU and/or AMFA? Some elected magician or lobbyist with his head up a politicians arse? Look up the definition of "coward" and you will find the secret to your mental state of mind.

Not only does AMFA believe in strikes, they also negotiate language to prevent their members from crossing picket lines, and performing struck work. Does the TWU have that anywhere in your contact? No, they have almighty no-strike, no-lock-out clause though!

 

[1AA]

I just got my anti AMFA Pro TWU literature in the mail.
The TWU does not mention all the things they gave away and how they actually helped the AMT's at American or any other airline. They boast about their AFL-CIO political clout. Alot that helped the Carpenters union in New York. They boast about AMFA being alone, AMFA represents more AMT's in this industry than the IAM and TWU combined. Some political clout that turned out to be. AMFA uses real attorneys in negotiations, No secret letters and all issues are voted on by the full membership. Did we get to vote on our concession package? Did everybody vote in a timely manner even after the changes were made? NOT? Yea, The almighty TWU and it's AFL-CIO affiliation, you can keep it baby. It does me or my fellow AMT's in this profession any good. Look at the hard facts not the past propaganda that the TWU boasts about.

Cards are coming in at a very interesting rate. Soon a vote will take place, you can bet on it.

It amazes me that two or three years ago the TWU (Little) said that AMFA is not a real union, It is not AFL-CIO affiliated. Now the little ole AMFA is a big threat and the tables have turned. Without the help of the AFL-CIO.
Go figure???? :blink:

 

[AMFAMAN]

Did we hear Dell or any AMFA officrs stepping up and telling us anything? Nope
It was our international that found and leaked the news, and did do something,
AMFA did one thing, stay quiet hoping to be successful in the raid on AA workers
while its true we gave the farm, it was done democraticly, members voted

Now lets stop the lies, the story was broke by the Wall Street Journal and according to reports from the Flight Attendants Union, Jim Little was for keeping Carty in as CEO. The flight attendants wanted all of them gone otherwise you're just moving up another piece of the problem. Little settled on keeping the 45 and getting rid of Carty. Lets not forget what Little said on tape, "it didn't really matter what we said because the Board of Directors were against Carty and they wanted him removed."

Now the twu wants to chest pound about where was AMFA, could it be that the AMFA Organizing Committee got rid of Carty, it was one supporter at AFW who rattled Carty to the point he started swearing on stage. If the "committee" at UAL put them in bankruptcy and the "committee" at AA tried to drive AA into bankruptcy per Jimmy Little, why not give credit where credit is due. Better yet, why not blame AMFA for keeping the other 45 officers in place and give Little a heroes welcome for getting rid of Carty. Than you can belly up to the bar and have another reason to drink on the membership.

 

[RV4]

lie

Pronunciation: (lI),
—n., v., lied, ly•ing.

—n.
1. a false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive; an intentional untruth; a falsehood.
2. something intended or serving to convey a false impression; imposture: His flashy car was a lie that deceived no one.
3. an inaccurate or false statement.
4. the charge or accusation of lying: He flung the lie back at his accusers.
5. give the lie to,
a. to accuse of lying; contradict.
b. to prove or imply the falsity of; belie: His poor work gives the lie to his claims of experience.
6. the published text of most industrial union literature; content of mailed documents intended to defend a docile union organization: The TWU tells lies about others to keep members from seeing the truth. :blink:

 

[RV4]

What is AMFAs view on strikes? I dont beleive they want strikes because AMFA would lose everything in a strike without political contributions, who in politics would back AMFA,

Hey AFL-CIO stooge, I've got AMFA's position on strikes right here for you...

For Immediate Release March 3, 2001

For more information, contact:
O.V. Delle-Femine, National Director
603-387-5530
Steve lanier, National Secretary
404/668-5646

AMFA CRAFT UNION APPROVES STRIKE WITH OVER 96% VOTE

Laconia, NH -- March 3, 2001: Members of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) approved a strike by a vote of over 96%. The strike can go into effect anytime after March 12, at 12:01 a.m. if contract negotiations with Northweat Airlines (NWA) remain unresolved.

While AMFA members voted to strike, the craft union's leadership remains hopeful a settlement with NWA can be reached at a negotiation session scheduled by the National Mediation Board for Wednesday, March 7th. AMFA had called on the NMB to get the parties together because they are close to agreement on most issues.

"AMFA is a true democratic union -- everyone gets an opportunity to vote. It's just sad that contract negotiations had to result in a strike vote. This vote sends a strong message to NWA," says O.V. Delle-Femine, National Director of AMFA. "As of March 12th, AMFA will be free to engage in self-help. We hope this strong statement by Northwest's aircraft mechanics & related employees will now persuade Northwest to come to agreement with AMFA when we meet in Washington this Wednesday to resume negotiations."

AMFA and NWA have been engaged in intensive contract negotiations for 15 months and are currently in a 30-day cooling off period mandated by federal law. The parties are close to an agreement. According to the latest proposals from each party, AMFA and Northwest are separated by a difference of approximately $400 million per year.

"AMFA members have been working without an amendable contract for 4 1/2 years and have shown extraordinary patience & professionalism throughout this process. WWI did not take this long," adds Delle-Femine. "It is time to settle these negotiations. We remain hopeful that resuming negotiations will result in successful closure on the remaining issues. We do not want to strike. We want a contract so our highly skilled craftsmen can continue their work assuring the safety of the flying public."

If the parties are unable to arrive at a contract by the March 12 deadline, the only thing that could prevent AMFA membership from striking is a Presidential Emergency Board (PEB). The PEB would prevent a strike for 60 days beyond the 30-day cooling off period.

AMFA strongly opposes such a tactic -- though this strike vote enables the union to call one even after the 60-day PEB period ends.

"By calling a PEB, the administration would essentially be dictating the collective bargaining process & taking away labor's right to seek self-help. This has serious implications for not only AMFA, but all airline unions negotiating at this time."

AMFA's craft union represents over 9,600 NWA aircraft maintenance technicians and related support personnel. Their credo is "safety in the air begins with quality maintenance on the ground." To learn more about AMFA, visit t heir website at www.amfanatl.org.



And there is mosre evidence of non-docile actions concerning strike issues:

AIRCRAFT MECHANICS FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION



January 9, 2001

To: The Honorable Frank Duggan

National Mediation Board

1301 K Street, NW 250E

Washington, DC 20572-0002

Re: NMB Case No. A-13070 AMFA/NWA

Dear Mr. Duggan:

We are approaching 4 ½ years from the amendable date of the NWA–MCC Contract and an amicable settlement though mediation has been unsuccessful, therefore AMFA respectfully request to be released from Mediation services and enter the 30 day cooling off period. We await your reply.

Sincerely,
/s/ O.V. Delle-Femine

National Director

 

[RV4]

AMFA / NWA NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE 3-9-01, 6:00 p.m.

AMFA / NWA contract negotiations continued today in Washington DC. Agreement was reached on Articles 2 - Scope of Agreement, 7 - Overtime and Holidays, 9 - Vacancies and Bulletined Jobs, and 17 - Vacations. Of the remaining open articles, there are 21 open economic issues.

Other issues agreed to today were the Index to Letters of Agreement, the PULP (Paid Union Leave Policy) Letter of Agreement, and the PULP Form.

Negotiations are scheduled to continue this evening and through the weekend.

Also, this afternoon President Bush initiated an executive order enacting a Presidential Emergency Board to investigate the ongoing dispute between AMFA and NWA. The establishment of this Board becomes effective at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on Monday, March 12, 2001.

AMFA members at NWA should be advised that Jude Doty's order to comply with the Status Quo will remain in effect during the PEB review period.

###

 

[RV4]

MCI AFL-CIO,

In contrast to the above AMFA negotiations history, I believe Little Jim of the TWU invited and involved Congressmen in the final days of so-called "active engagement" meetings with AA.

If these are the results we can expect from politicians involvement, then I vote to leave the TWU now!

What did we get with our political clout?

INDUSTRY LEADING CONCESSIONS THAT's WHAT WE GOT?

 

[Steve Connell]

hey Dave...must you always call people who respond names?Hey AFL-CIO stooge, I've got AMFA's position on strikes right here for you...
......then you'll be quick to criticize others for the same. Dave..oh king of spin...please at some time attempt to comprehend before engaging your attitude...

 

[RV4]

hey Dave...must you always call people who respond names?Hey AFL-CIO stooge, I've got AMFA's position on strikes right here for you...
......then you'll be quick to criticize others for the same. Dave..oh king of spin...please at some time attempt to comprehend before engaging your attitude...

Steve,

Just read the postings and then this defintion:

stooge

Pronunciation: (stOOj), [key]
—n., v., stooged, stoog•ing.

—n.
1. an entertainer who feeds lines to the main comedian and usually serves as the butt of his or her jokes.
2. any underling, assistant, or accomplice.

—v.i.
to act as a stooge.

It wasn't "name calling", it was a statement of FACT!

Why do you and others show up on every thread and change the discussion away from the facts that demonstrate TWU's weakness comapred to AMFA?

 

[MCI AFL-CIO]

hey Dave...must you always call people who respond names?Hey AFL-CIO stooge, I've got AMFA's position on strikes right here for you...
......then you'll be quick to criticize others for the same. Dave..oh king of spin...please at some time attempt to comprehend before engaging your attitude...

Steve,

Just read the postings and then this defintion:

stooge

Pronunciation: (stOOj), [key]
—n., v., stooged, stoog•ing.

—n.
1. an entertainer who feeds lines to the main comedian and usually serves as the butt of his or her jokes.
2. any underling, assistant, or accomplice.

—v.i.
to act as a stooge.

It wasn't "name calling", it was a statement of FACT!

Why do you and others show up on every thread and change the discussion away from the facts that demonstrate TWU's weakness comapred to AMFA?

RV 4, Thanks for replying, It should not surprise me that you can not reply without name calling, I did not throw stones, members who live in glass houses should not show stones, either
Im an adult, I can tolerate name calling without reverting to threatening lines meant as punishment and harm to you. I can post here without resorting to name calling, to me, debating without name calling so MATURITY
It also shows, that another resorts to name calling when fear of losing, so Dont worry, the election is more than 6 months away, your not in fear yet of losing........may I call you Dave?

Might I also call you, as you did me, an AMFA Stoog? Heres your definition

Pronunciation: (stOOj), [key]
—n., v., stooged, stoog•ing.

—n.
1. an entertainer who feeds lines to the main comedian and usually serves as the butt of his or her jokes.
2. any underling, assistant, or accomplice.

—v.i.
to act as a stooge

RV4 or Dave, whichever, I will not come here to post lies, I am not a stooge, I will not come to name call anyone, or to threaten anyone, I will not ask you to do the same, as I will not dictate to you what you may or may not do, I will come here and will act as an adult, concerned unionmember and if yopu choose not to, thats your right

You stated............It wasn't "name calling", it was a statement of

To me, unless provoked first, its not a fact, to name call, and I dont recall provoking you to call me names,
If you prefer to argue rather than debate, so be it, lets get ready to RUMBLE

 

[RV4]

sniffel, sniffle, I got called an AMFA stooge, the sky is falling.

You really got me there pal.

 

[MCI AFL-CIO]

RV4.............LOL you are hilarious, sounds as if you caught a cold,I hope you a speedy recovery, hope nothing serious, as it is FLU season. I meant no harm by saying AMFA stoog, I knew you would enjoy the rhetoric
I consider and glad to hear you call me PAL
Havbe a great night PAL
RV$, one more question, are you from MCI?