700:700UW said:
Why do you have to defend the IAM's reputation by slamming the AMFA? It speaks for itself. MWeiss is only speculating on how things really are. Let's talk instead about the 100% heavy maint farmout plus 20% everything else maint at UAL..... brought to you by the IAM. Yes....the move that closed the Indy and Oakland bases and furloughed thousands!!! The IAM knew they were beat by the AMFA so they instituted a scorched earth policy as payback. Very admirable.
I think the truth of the matter is that you shudder at the thought of the "craft union" concept. But not to worry. All the past IAM lobbying to the NMB about rampers, cleaners and mechanics being classified together(class & craft) should prevent you from losing your status even under the AMFA.
As far as the AMFA messing things up by filing for an election during contract times I want you to consider the following:
The AMFA does not help solicit support until at least 50% of the misrepresented party files cards. And that means that ALL initial interest in changing representation comes from within the workgroup.
Why should the AMFA file an election in the middle of an already existing contract??? Is that not a moot point??? It serves NO purpose at all. Naturally when a contract negotiation is upcomming one could say that it is an opportune time to change bargaining agents.
This crap about the AMFA "raiding" another union is a matter of (IAM) perception. As long as you are throwing stones, I do recall an occasion where the IAM RAIDED a property already represented by another union. Look into that yourself before you dismiss my claims as mere sensationalism. When I find the info I will post for all to see.
Yes the McCormick group facilitates the AMFA. But it IS the members who are the union. And if the AMFA represented do not approve of the job an official is doing they can be RECALLED. Can we do that with the IAM???? Not a chance!!
What you should be worrying about is your wallet because when the heat gets turned up the concession stand WILL reopen regardless of what the membership say. When countless dues are at risk of going away......you know the rest of the story. Ante up and let the dealing begin. You will see in this in the very near future.......mark it down.
