Tim,
How true is that...(your statement in the above post that I bolded).
I can surely empathise. It is perfectly understandable how some from the "inside" can develop an impression of certain leadership who once elected or promoted, no longer have to be accountable. The most frustrating part of my experience in the union was seeing political corruption and not allowing those that want total control to contain you, specifically when you know they are not acting in the "best interest" of the membership.
Anyone who sits on this board and denies that this type of shitt doesn't exist in their respective union is delusional and drank to much of their own kool-aide brew. I am pro organized labor; but against leaders who become "comfortable" with the status quo and try to quench those who oppose their lack of energy or complacency to collect big pay with no accountability or lack of production. At AFA we have the bylaws that can get rid of someone elected or appointed by virture of a recall and not having to cite any reason(s).
However, often times, I have seen first hand, that it is one of the most challenging tasks...to get rid of those leaders that don't belong in an organization, basically any organization representing dues paying members. With the IAM, unlike AFA, getting rid of a district rep is literally impossible, and that should not be.
Someone or group needs to present an agenda item at the IAM International convention to change their bylaws so that the members have more of a say in who represents them. There needs to be an avenue for "recall", and I haven't seen it in the IAM bylaws. I suspect that would be a feat as well, being that IAM upper level is not accountable to the membership for their actions, or lack there of in certain districts.
Anyway, I can understand why you would move to form your own union...perfectly understand that passion. I agree with everything you posted on this issue.
PitBull,
[after replying to your post, I reread your post and saw that your question 'how true is that' was really a statement. At any rate, I left the text below unedited.]
First, my apologies for not putting in the time to fully answer your question, but time i just don't have to really deconstruct this topic.
But a truncated 'generalized' view of my opinion FWIW:
Dunno, but it seems to me there are three fundamental things that interfere with the power or need of 'present day organized labor in America'.
1. Apathy. Apathy creates a huge gulf between those that make it to the other side as paid union officers, as opposed to common members. A great emptiness is between the two sides so that the sacred side [paid officers] can pretty much sit back and put the union on cruise control as they make sweethearts and pimp the workers. The high salaries of these paid officers usually leave no question as to where their loyalty lies...in their wallets.
2. Cultural shift
early last century unions thrived as the working people didn't mind being soldiers to a paternal structure. A union could do whatever it wanted with little or no communication. I don't think these things exist in today's culture as people want to make choices, usually associated with individual[ism].
With that Paternal, 'daddy knows best' power, the unions always found something to fight for and were often successful. Union Bosses were still thugs and still stole from members but it didn't matter because the union was internalized and legitimated under the 'workers canopy'. The union had its sacredness and the meaning of a scab was truly profane.
3. Labor Organizational resource shift from the working people, towards politics and agendas that have nothing to do with the working people. In short, the unions are a long way from home and the resulting relationship [as with any relationship] isn't as warm and there is a huge feeling of distrust between member and union boss. Everyone is sleeping around now and the only thing left of the relationship is a meaningless ring [dues check off].
There's more to it but I got to jet.
I should note to you that although I fully understand you being 'pro organized labor', I am not, provided we are talking about the American Labor movement. I've come 180 degrees as I believe the American Labor movement is a fraud and scandal and should be chunked into the deep blue sea. It's cancerous to the masses and contributes to the problems.
Practically speaking, what this means is that I would be 100% for a decertification if there was ever a Delta merger. Doesn't mean corporate greed isn't alive but rather the American Labor movement as I know it is useless, powerless, and not worth the 50 bucks and change per month IMO.
regards,