And to Mr CremaDiLimone, I would actually have to ask you what planet you live on if you think the negative comments here directed at the "Ass" are in error. If you like getting lied to, if you like a system being setup where conflict will always be an issue, if you like a negotiation pace reflecting snails speed,
and if you like an organization formed to protect the money grab for it's top earners under the cover "it's in your best interest" or "power in numbers" verbiage, then it's obvious, you are from the Association planet.
Now, to you both, nothing short of an industry leading contract for both the IAM and TWU members will help the Association gain traction in many of it's members eyes, especially on the AA side. But at the current pace, I'm damn sure not gonna hold my breath.
- aanotok: you may know more than me in regards to alleged infighting and/or money grabs with the association. what i totally disagree with is the snail's pace of negotiations.
since retro pay is not legislated, which corporation has any incentive to bargain in a timely manner? the company's negotiators are laughing on the golf course when unions members grumble and blame the union for slow negotiations. in fact, it appears as though corporate america has succeeded in erasing the term 'retro pay' from the american vocabulary.
the laws have changed in this country. everything and anything the union can do to show irritation and 'speed up the process' is considered a job action and millions in fines will be showered upon the twu - we remember the pilots' union and the great sick-out of some 20 years ago. calling in sick cost them $45.5 million.
you are correct about all the money we have lost. corporate BK law has no provision that a corporation that files for BK and emerges from BK stronger and healthier, has absolutely zero obligation to soldier on with it's pensions. that is no mistake nor oversight. that was purposely omitted...and when corporate america can ghostwrite the law, it takes full advantage. this is what most unions have to deal with in 2016. it's not 1956.
personally, i saw american shave $1,000 a month off my pension. originally, american wanted to terminate my pension. then american wanted to make nice with the govt., and they froze the pensions. we got lucky (if american files under w. bush, those pensions are loooong gone) that the govt. made a stink and american bent and gave in.
you brought up shift differential. .51 an hour is $1,000 a year. 2003 to 2017 is 14 years. we lost $14k just in shift differential. going forward, i will lose $12,000 a year for every year i live after i retire. say i'm lucky and live 25 years...the company denied me $300,000.
the same guys laughing on the golf course are laughing again. don't blame the union for the overall disappointment(s).
