Kev3188 said:
No question labor needs to refocus, but this is where you and I politely disagree. I think you absolutely include groups like the worker centers, and other advocacy groups under at least a broad umbrella. In general A] They want to advance the same interests as most working class Americans, and B] A union member isn't just a union member while on the property. The things that are important to us on the floor are generally important away from it as well.
I'm not sure it's a distraction. At this point I see it as a good idea, not terribly well executed (yet)...
+1
Part of that refocusing I mentioned means realizing that "partnerships" with mgmt. are usually a one way street. That needs to be rebalanced, and fast.
I'm very concerned for labor. I haven't seen any evidence of the AFLCIO leadership or the IAM leadership that has benefitted workers more than management over the past few years. My hope is that the greater world of labor in this country isn't in as bad as shape with leadership and that the pitfalls have been isolated to Boeing, United, and similar. It seems as though there is a great deal of fear from labor leaders.
A. Fear + representing workers = Death
B. Soft + management = destruction
C. Talk - Walk = Flip Like Pancake
C. Hope + integrity = Success
D. Tough + Patience = Fairness
Those formulas above may not be full proof but I'd say our IAM INTL and IAM 141 leadership fit into A, B, and C. Not saying our NC but I've seen NC's pushed aside into submission because of ignorance after getting hoodwinked due to complete and utter ignorance. At United, the INTL had its attorney write a letter manufacturing the idea that TA2 had to be ratified or that leverage would be lost and that congress would ultimately rubber stamp a worse contract years down the road. Hopefully, Delta management didn't see that letter because it would be a death nail for any organizing drive as the union's "Top Person" was instructed to write such an anti union letter explaining that the union is powerless. Due to the complete ignorance on the laws and strategies, and models, the NC just 'took it up the arse', presumably thinking that they were doing the 'right thang'. Also, instead of focusing on mainline {United was the biggest airline with 700 jets], Delaney focused on express and convinced the NC that it was better to take a grab at a short term gain of express work and toss out all express and mainline work at most stations. And he also convinced them to raise health care cost so management wouldn't have to make difficult decisions that could involve bankruptcy due to competitive disadvantages.
The union itself, not only fears, but attempts to build fear. In Ira Gottlieb's anti union letter, he mentions that congress may very well step in. What he doesn't mention is that it has NEVER happened in the entire airline industry history. And better yet, a PEB has NEVER even happened for any non licensed airline worker. The history is CONVINCING against what Ira said as the casework is unanimous against his manufactured position. Only 3 times since the 60's has even a PEB been delivered. Twice to Pilots, once to MX [USair MX in the 90's]. But there is no evidence that the president or congress has EVER gotten in the way of collective bargaining for non licensed airline personnel. Our NC needs to know those things and that everything else is Bull S.
So I remain a skeptic due to evidence. Forgive me Father for I have sinned....