TWU - Thought Police Cannon Fired

[Bob Owens]

One thing that really ticks me off about this whole suspension thing is that apparently the company knew about it before I did! Imagine that!! On Monday morning I was called aside and told of a request for a new policy concerning UB by management. I had no idea why, until I was informed later on by Chuck Schalk that a letter had come over the FAX to the Hall. It did not come to my house until a day later because they have my zip wrong.

Another thing is that not only did Sonny never approach me about my postings but he never returned my call to his office. The quote that he attributed to me was not written by me. Thats one of the problems when you have elderly men who should be retired, running unions. John Kerrigan is so old that he apparently cant even sign his own letters, his letter was stamped.

The only time somebody said something was when Little told me to retract my statement urging all the unions to unite behind the workers at UAL and threaten to shut down the country if the Judge abrogates any of their agreements. Isnt that sad? I call for an act of Solidarity and Jim Little tells me to retract my statement!! HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE ONE MAKING THAT STATEMENT!!! But then again at $143,000 per year what does he care?


Another interesting note. Here is the last sentence to my suspension letter.

Upon the basis of the hearing, the International Executive Council is authorized to render a decision, dismissing the charges, suspending, expelling or otherwise penalizing you, or directing such other action as may be necessary to secure compliance with the Constitution or otherwise to protect and preserve the efffectiveness and best interests of the International.


What about the best interests of the members?

Get that Bobby?? C-ya on the 20th! The guys of 562 send you their love.

 

[RV4]

Bob,

Unless you intend on making the hearing into the farce it really is and get a transcript for internet publication, I wouldn't give the dictators the time of day.

 

[Bob Owens]

Robert Owens

XX Xxxxxxxx Ave August 8, 2003
Xxxxxxxxxx, New York XXXXX[SIZE= 11pt] [/SIZE]
[SIZE= 11pt][/SIZE]
[SIZE= 11pt] [/SIZE]

Dear President Hall;
I have received your notice that you have elected to abuse your power as President and remove me from my elected position as Treasurer of Local 562. Your actions are extremely disruptive to the administration of the Local and have come without warning or cause. Your actions could just as easily be interpreted as a move to support the collection of Election cards as you claim my posts were. The punitive action that you have already taken by removing me pending a “hearingâ€￾ without first seeking information from me is reprehensible and has driven many members who had refused to sign cards to now sign them.
You were well aware that I had problems with the lack of democratic accountability and transparency that plagues our organization. I have written to and spoken to you on several occasions to inform you of not only my concerns but also those expressed to me by our members. Those concerns have been ignored. I have not only brought forward problems but also gave input towards possible solutions to these concerns. Your negligence in addressing the concerns of the members is the primary reason why the AMFA drive is so successful. Your unwillingness to serve the members interests in favor of your own goals is ruining this union.
I informed you that I seek consolidation of the Airline labor movement and have written correspondence from you that prove that you were aware of my intent. I have repeatedly discussed this issue starting back in December of 2000 right up until May of this year when I stopped by your office. I have discussed this issue with your council Art Luby, Mike Bakala, and Jim Little. At no time did any of these people or yourself say that pursuing this goal would result in my removal from office or being put as a member in bad standing.
I have posted over 1200 times on the website in question. My posts have followed this theme consistently. The cherry picking of a handful of posts as proof of support for AMFA is pathetic. What is even more ironic is that the person you have prosecuting me while acting as President of Local 562 announced to the members that he had no faith in this organization, could not support this organization and encouraged the assembly to join AMFA. This happened at the July 2001 JFK/LGA meeting.
You are claiming that my actions “ taken in the context of the continuing effort of AMFA to replace the TWU,,,, constitutes advocacyâ€￾. This is flawed. I do advocate change. AMFA also advocates change. However the change I seek is internal. If external pressures can help bring about internal changes then so be it, I like it. As I said before I seek to address the concerns expressed by my members. Concerns that I have shared with you repeatedly without any results. This is a disaster of your own creation. It has been caused by your inaction not my actions.
Your actions or lack of action is the driving force that is getting cards signed, not my 1200 posts on USAVIATION.com.
In light of these facts I feel that you should drop all charges, print an apology in the TWU EXPRESS and go to your long overdue retirement and leave the labor movement to the young who have the energy, flexibility and motivation to lead us in the battles the lie ahead. Its time to pass on the torch. Your performance has had a negative effect on the entire Union. Your inflexibility, intolerance and concessionary contracts are why members are seeking to abandon this union. Instead of battling the companies for higher wages and better conditions of work as stated in Article II of our Constitution, you are engaged in battles with Locals who want to fight concessions. You are fighting your own troops to lead a retreat instead of an advance. This has been going on for over twenty years, you have simply taken up where your predecessor left off. They are resisting your failed policies which have led to declining living standards for their members. As their living standards decline you enjoy a $200,000 a year salary. A sum that exceeds that of any of your members by a very wide margin.
Your perspective of the entire situation could be skewed by either your comfortable circumstances or advanced age. I don’t know. What I do know is that the young, who have to survive, can no longer afford to be led in the direction you are leading us.
For the sake of those you claim to serve I suggest that you stop this witch hunt, and put in place a new leader who has the ability, drive and wisdom to lead us in a positive direction.

Fraternally;


Robert Owens
Elected by the members Treasurer of TWU Local 562

 

[AAmech]

Did I mention that Alaska Airlines has been one of the most profitable airlines of the last 10 years? Why are their mechanics payed so poorly? Why is their no respect for their craft? Maybe if they had a "Craft Union" to represent them they'd do a little better. Whoops I forgot. They have amfa. Silly me!

 

[AAmech]

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On 8/7/2003 114 PM j7915 wrote:

Of course AMFA will raise the wages at AA...for those that will remain on the payroll. Look at NWA and Alaskan

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Alaska Airlines mechanics are THE lowest paid in the industry PLUS they are losing jobs to Outsourcing! Guess what union they are? Goooo Amfa!!! Amfa been at Alaska the longest of any of their represented airlines and they still have done NOTHING!!! I just can't wait to have dellfemine come to AA and negotiate for us!!

 

[Bob Owens]

It's paid, not payed.

Being that they are doing so poorly why dont you ask Little to make you an organizer and go over there and organize those guys?

 

[FWAAA]

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On 8/8/2003 9:38:46 AM Bob Owens wrote:


It's paid, not payed.
 
Being that they are doing so poorly why dont you ask Little to make you an organizer and go over there and organize those guys?

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Now this is really rich - Bob Owens pointing out other posters' minor spelling errors.

What's that about living in a glass house?

 

[jake]

Hey Ya'll I'm back!!!!!!

Now Bob (Curly),
Are You denying that you are an AMFA puke?? Yes or No!!!

 

[RV4]

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On 8/8/2003 9:03:15 AM Bob Owens wrote:

Snipped....


Your perspective of the entire situation could be skewed by either your comfortable circumstances or advanced age. I don’t know. What I do know is that the young, who have to survive, can no longer afford to be led in the direction you are leading us.
For the sake of those you claim to serve I suggest that you stop this witch hunt, and put in place a new leader who has the ability, drive and wisdom to lead us in a positive direction.
Fraternally;
Robert Owens
Elected by the members Treasurer of TWU Local 562


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Bob, speaking that much TRUTH in one letter and posting it on the internet is without a doubt going to have you found guilty of "unbecoming conduct" is the eyes of the bus driving leader.
The AMT's of the industry, should on the other hand, find your views refreshing and your actions worthy of organized and relentless support to stop the madness.
All Mechanic and Related at and AA should stand united against the Dictators.
We just witnessed a WAR in IRAQ on our televisions thanks to high-tech imbedded reporting, which ended in the removal of a Regime of Dictators that mirrors Sonny Hall and his band of Thought Police Thugs.
STAND FOR FREEDOM
RID YOURSELF OF THE TRANSPORT WORKERS UNION OF AMERICA!
Anything I can do to assist you, just say the word BOB.

 

[Bob Owens]

Thanks for the offer.
Needless to say facing judgement by three people who work under your accuser does not look promising. One of the panel members I met at the Convention and was a decent guy but I can understand the reality of the situation. The airline that he worked for, along with his pension more than likely, are long gone. If he does not tow the line his financial security may be at risk.

 

[RV4]

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On 8/8/2003 12:49:30 PM jake wrote:

Hey Ya'll I'm back!!!!!!

Now Bob (Curly),
Are You denying that you are an AMFA puke?? Yes or No!!!

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Hi Dennis!

 

[Bob Owens]

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On 8/8/2003 12:49:30 PM jake wrote:

Hey Ya'll I'm back!!!!!!

Now Bob (Curly),
Are You denying that you are an AMFA puke?? Yes or No!!!

----------------
An AMFA puke? No I'm not an AMFA puke. In fact, unlike you, I'm not a puke in any form.
​

 

[Checking it Out]

Bob would you like to have a towel to cry on?

You were informed on many ocassions unless you change who you were supporting this would happen. It was your decission no one elses!

Go back to the floor, and enjoy your time instead of at home writing on this website!

I understand the Miami local gave Mr. Woodward a choice to either sign the letter showing support for the TWU and Against amfa or they would replace him. At Least their was at least one out of 3 with some common sense! (He has signed the letter!)

TWU SOLIDARITY!

 

[RV4]

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On 8/8/2003 621 PM Checking it Out wrote:


Bob would you like to have a towel to cry on?

You were informed on many ocassions unless you change who you were supporting this would happen. It was your decission no one elses!

Go back to the floor, and enjoy your time instead of at home writing on this website!

I understand the Miami local gave Mr. Woodward a choice to either sign the letter showing support for the TWU and Against amfa or they would replace him. At Least their was at least one out of 3 with some common sense! (He has signed the letter!)

TWU SOLIDARITY!

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Yeah but did he also sign an authorization card, and will he vote for the TWU dictatorship when the NMB ballot comes to his house? That is what really counts now, doesn't it?
You have not stopped or slowed the movement at all, you have done nothing more than reinforce one of the many reasons we should leave the TWU.
This week, you got ONE letter signed, and Tulsa mailed in 62 more authorization cards. You do the math!

 

[siucstudent]

So as I sit in the classroom once again and ponder the current situation of the airline industry, "Hmmmm, maybe underwater welding wouldn't be such a bad idea for a change of major".

Do I pursue management or do I pursue a position in the rank and file?

Pro and Cons

Pursue management- Join the ranks of those like Carty, Icahn, and what was that Eastern guys name?

Pursue labor- Suffer to the likes of the above.

Reason for this post?

What is with all the fighting amongst union members? Your company is succeeding at its mission and I dont believe you can see it for the trees blinding you.

The cities are pitted against each other. The unions are fighting amongst themselves and each other.

If you had it to do over and were one semester from graduating with an A&P and a B.S. in Aviation Management what would you tell yourself the next time you looked in the mirror to shave?