Wheres the TWU Leadership?

[skydrol]

Elite, no but maybe I am just secluded from the Ramp. I have been attempting to obtain a mechanic union outside of an industrial union most of my career. I do know who runs the union and Local 514. So when you consider that T-Town is isolated, remember that those that are spitting on you are spitting from here too.



Are the Rampers performing your work?

what do you care ? are you going to do something about it ? As long as you get yours you could care less who rides brakes to the pad eh ?

 

[skydrol]

you guys are in your own world and make no mistake you do not give a ratts ass about someone outside of local 514

 

[uncle Omar]

you guys are in your own world and make no mistake you do not give a ratts ass about someone outside of local 514

so what i get from all this you guys (line Mechanics ) are scared of some fleet service clerks... I worked fleet and i down graded to Aircraft Mech.. i was never scared of the fleet service ... I leave ORD and all you guys turn into p***ys.. grow a set of nards!! or we are all in trouble...

 

[2ndGENAMT]

you guys are in your own world and make no mistake you do not give a ratts ass about someone outside of local 514

Explain your rationale for this statement and maybe I can give some insight on how TULE Techs. feel about Line...

 

[OldGuy@AA]

you guys are in your own world and make no mistake you do not give a ratts ass about someone outside of local 514

Unfortunately you are somewhat correct in that statement. There are those here that do not care about line mechs. But there are many that do. I will also say there are those on the line that don't care about O/H and many that do. I am sure you are under the impression that TULE is responsible for voting in contracts simply because of the numbers but this is not true. Bob Owens has stated that the fact is that the last contract was passed by a wider margin on the line than at TULE. I realize there are different concerns for line and O/H but we are not your enemy. AA has always used divide and conquer to achieve their bottom of the industry wages and benefits. This will continue unless we all find a way to get along.

 

[Buck]

Fighting for American Airlines jobs in Tulsa and Fort Worth
Posted Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012
By Mitchell Schnurman
mschnurman@star-telegram.com

In a corporate bankruptcy, how much difference can a community make?

Tulsa, whose economy owes much to American Airlines, aims to find out. Early this month, more than 30 leaders launched a public campaign to keep American's maintenance base open and protect more than 6,500 jobs there. Since American filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Nov. 29, there's been much speculation about slashing jobs and closing facilities, especially in maintenance. Most rivals outsource much of that heavy work, often to offshore companies. American executives are developing a reorganization plan and haven't indicated what's ahead. Tulsa wasn't willing to wait and react. And if this works, jobs saved in Tulsa could come at the expense of jobs in Fort Worth. In front of TV cameras Jan. 3, a Tulsa union chief and the president of the chamber of commerce shared the same podium. Republicans and Democrats, mayors from several cities, leaders from the region and state, and congressional and Senate offices -- they all gathered in a gesture of unity and determination. Tax breaks and other incentives? Check. Flexing political muscle in Washington? Count on it. Firing up the public? They'd throw a parade in front of American headquarters if it would help. "I don't know if it'll matter," Tulsa union leader Sam Cirri said last week. "But I'll be damned if I'm going to sit on my hands and say, 'Whatever happens, happens.'" Tulsa's enthusiasm is infectious, and it's a sharp contrast to the quiet, behind-the-scenes approach in Fort Worth. This week, Mayor Betsy Price is scheduled to meet with American officials, a spokesman said, and she'll restate the city's commitment and offer to help. Bill Thornton of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce said there's been "considerable outreach" already, although he declined to give details. When push comes to shove, does anyone doubt that Texas politicos will step up? Maybe it's just a question of style or timing, but Tulsa appears to be acting with more urgency, even desperation. American's maintenance facility accounts for 15 percent of gross product in the Tulsa area, a chamber of commerce economist said. It has reportedly received more than $32 million in local and state incentives since 2003. In an editorial the day after the bankruptcy, the Tulsa World urged leaders to exercise any and all influence to keep the base alive. "There is no economic issue, and we repeat -- NO ISSUE -- more important to this community," the newspaper wrote. American is a powerhouse in North Texas, too, and its Fort Worth headquarters is a source of great local pride. The company has about 24,000 employees here, including 2,200 at a maintenance base at Alliance Airport, and it's the dominant force at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport. With American Eagle, the airline accounted for 84 percent of November flights at the region's so-called economic engine. In sum, Fort Worth and the rest of North Texas have much on the line, maybe as much as Tulsa. They'll fight just as hard, in my view, even if most of their work is done behind closed doors. On one level, all the effort will mean little. Bankruptcies are resolved on the dollars and cents, and as we've seen through decades of downsizing in the United States, factories are shuttered regularly, no matter how much a community resists. If American and its creditors conclude that it can't afford two maintenance bases -- one in Tulsa and one in Fort Worth -- then one will be closed, period. And the facility that's more valuable, efficient or better on a key measure is going to be the winner. News conferences and private lobbying won't change that. But around the margins, public efforts could make a difference. Tax breaks and similar incentives would allow American to upgrade the Tulsa base at a lower price, for instance. Oklahoma's political support could be useful, too, if American turns to Washington to help fend off hostile suitors. Defense contractors often parcel out work among congressional districts, in part because that broadens political support for big-ticket programs. With a headquarters in Fort Worth, American has solid backing from Texas, regardless of the decision on Alliance. Tulsa officials say they didn't handicap all this and didn't go public as part of an orchestrated strategy. They reacted spontaneously, even viscerally. "Everybody wanted to just get together and tell American that we were here, ready to do whatever," Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett said. Cirri, president of the Local 514 of the Transport Workers Union, said the airline's Tulsa employees are on edge, waiting on American's plans. But the community reaction has helped. That's one advantage of a public push: It's creating solidarity among workers, politicians and residents. "These are our friends and neighbors," said Mike Neal, president of the Tulsa Metro Chamber. "We wanted them to know we're on their side." It's a kind gesture and great way to rally the community. And the sentiment could be even more important months from now, in Tulsa, Fort Worth and elsewhere. Thousands of workers at American are likely to lose their jobs in this restructuring. They'll need their friends then, too.

Mitchell Schnurman's column appears Sundays and Thursdays, 817-390-7821

Twitter: @mitchschnurman

Looking for comments?

 

[wrencher]

B

Fighting for American Airlines jobs in Tulsa and Fort Worth
Posted Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012
By Mitchell Schnurman
mschnurman@star-telegram.com

In a corporate bankruptcy, how much difference can a community make?

Tulsa, whose economy owes much to American Airlines, aims to find out. Early this month, more than 30 leaders launched a public campaign to keep American's maintenance base open and protect more than 6,500 jobs there. Since American filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Nov. 29, there's been much speculation about slashing jobs and closing facilities, especially in maintenance. Most rivals outsource much of that heavy work, often to offshore companies. American executives are developing a reorganization plan and haven't indicated what's ahead. Tulsa wasn't willing to wait and react. And if this works, jobs saved in Tulsa could come at the expense of jobs in Fort Worth. In front of TV cameras Jan. 3, a Tulsa union chief and the president of the chamber of commerce shared the same podium. Republicans and Democrats, mayors from several cities, leaders from the region and state, and congressional and Senate offices -- they all gathered in a gesture of unity and determination. Tax breaks and other incentives? Check. Flexing political muscle in Washington? Count on it. Firing up the public? They'd throw a parade in front of American headquarters if it would help. "I don't know if it'll matter," Tulsa union leader Sam Cirri said last week. "But I'll be damned if I'm going to sit on my hands and say, 'Whatever happens, happens.'" Tulsa's enthusiasm is infectious, and it's a sharp contrast to the quiet, behind-the-scenes approach in Fort Worth. This week, Mayor Betsy Price is scheduled to meet with American officials, a spokesman said, and she'll restate the city's commitment and offer to help. Bill Thornton of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce said there's been "considerable outreach" already, although he declined to give details. When push comes to shove, does anyone doubt that Texas politicos will step up? Maybe it's just a question of style or timing, but Tulsa appears to be acting with more urgency, even desperation. American's maintenance facility accounts for 15 percent of gross product in the Tulsa area, a chamber of commerce economist said. It has reportedly received more than $32 million in local and state incentives since 2003. In an editorial the day after the bankruptcy, the Tulsa World urged leaders to exercise any and all influence to keep the base alive. "There is no economic issue, and we repeat -- NO ISSUE -- more important to this community," the newspaper wrote. American is a powerhouse in North Texas, too, and its Fort Worth headquarters is a source of great local pride. The company has about 24,000 employees here, including 2,200 at a maintenance base at Alliance Airport, and it's the dominant force at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport. With American Eagle, the airline accounted for 84 percent of November flights at the region's so-called economic engine. In sum, Fort Worth and the rest of North Texas have much on the line, maybe as much as Tulsa. They'll fight just as hard, in my view, even if most of their work is done behind closed doors. On one level, all the effort will mean little. Bankruptcies are resolved on the dollars and cents, and as we've seen through decades of downsizing in the United States, factories are shuttered regularly, no matter how much a community resists. If American and its creditors conclude that it can't afford two maintenance bases -- one in Tulsa and one in Fort Worth -- then one will be closed, period. And the facility that's more valuable, efficient or better on a key measure is going to be the winner. News conferences and private lobbying won't change that. But around the margins, public efforts could make a difference. Tax breaks and similar incentives would allow American to upgrade the Tulsa base at a lower price, for instance. Oklahoma's political support could be useful, too, if American turns to Washington to help fend off hostile suitors. Defense contractors often parcel out work among congressional districts, in part because that broadens political support for big-ticket programs. With a headquarters in Fort Worth, American has solid backing from Texas, regardless of the decision on Alliance. Tulsa officials say they didn't handicap all this and didn't go public as part of an orchestrated strategy. They reacted spontaneously, even viscerally. "Everybody wanted to just get together and tell American that we were here, ready to do whatever," Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett said. Cirri, president of the Local 514 of the Transport Workers Union, said the airline's Tulsa employees are on edge, waiting on American's plans. But the community reaction has helped. That's one advantage of a public push: It's creating solidarity among workers, politicians and residents. "These are our friends and neighbors," said Mike Neal, president of the Tulsa Metro Chamber. "We wanted them to know we're on their side." It's a kind gesture and great way to rally the community. And the sentiment could be even more important months from now, in Tulsa, Fort Worth and elsewhere. Thousands of workers at American are likely to lose their jobs in this restructuring. They'll need their friends then, too.

Mitchell Schnurman's column appears Sundays and Thursdays, 817-390-7821

Twitter: @mitchschnurman

Looking for comments?

Buck I guess we all will find out on Thursday when AA meets with the union in Tulsa to announce their plans and on Friday to the public. Let the fireworks begin after that.

 

[Flying low]

Thank You, I guess. Whatever that means. But you are correct, I have never left TUL. I am comfortable here and the only thing I am missing is my Base Pay.

Your statement could be stated in the reverse.

I agitated some of the line mechanics by added a signature to my post about OH saving line maintenance one aircraft at a time. The crying came very quickly. So I changed changed my signature: Line Maintenanance saving OH one airplane at a time and no one anywhere cried.

My experience at a Class I station is immaterial, it appears that a few of you lack the experience to do something about being ran by a Fleet Service Union.

Buck, I noticed your signature change. Wouldn't Line saving OH one aircraft at a time depend on how many field trips OH takes to bail out a line station or how many aircraft get sent to OH for repair.

 

[Buck]

Buck, I noticed your signature change. Wouldn't Line saving OH one aircraft at a time depend on how many field trips OH takes to bail out a line station or how many aircraft get sent to OH for repair.

Of course. But the point of the original signature was a retort at some of the line for attacking mechanics in OH who were supporting the lines position on GEO PAy and Line Premium. I believe that those who were complaining about OH had nothing to say about the reversal of the signature. In fact it was pretty easy to get a response from them. It is not all line mechanics I know this. Just those who only want $50 H/R at everyones expense and they may get it now.

 

[Duke787]

Of course. But the point of the original signature was a retort at some of the line for attacking mechanics in OH who were supporting the lines position on GEO PAy and Line Premium. I believe that those who were complaining about OH had nothing to say about the reversal of the signature. In fact it was pretty easy to get a response from them. It is not all line mechanics I know this. Just those who only want $50 H/R at everyones expense and they may get it now.

I thought your signature was just your way of being a blockhead.

 

[AV1]

Of course. But the point of the original signature was a retort at some of the line for attacking mechanics in OH who were supporting the lines position on GEO PAy and Line Premium. I believe that those who were complaining about OH had nothing to say about the reversal of the signature. In fact it was pretty easy to get a response from them. It is not all line mechanics I know this. Just those who only want $50 H/R at everyones expense and they may get it now.

Isn't the line wanting $50 dollars an hour at everyone's expense the same thing as you wanting the TWU to shed employees so you can stay employed, just because of your seniority. How many times have I read from your post about the TWU only concerned about dues money and nothing else complaint. Isn't this the same thing? The one thing I have learned while working here is everyone is all for themselves and nobody else, just saying.

 

[enough already]

Isn't the line wanting $50 dollars an hour at everyone's expense the same thing as you wanting the TWU to shed employees so you can stay employed, just because of your seniority. How many times have I read from your post about the TWU only concerned about dues money and nothing else complaint. Isn't this the same thing? The one thing I have learned while working here is everyone is all for themselves and nobody else, just saying.

So you would rathe Walmartize our jobs and keep everybody employed at the expense of our profession?

 

[Buck]

I thought your signature was just your way of being a blockhead.

It was but I would not have blockhead as a description.

Which signature did you like the best? Where the Line was the Hero or the Base?

 

[Buck]

Isn't the line wanting $50 dollars an hour at everyone's expense the same thing as you wanting the TWU to shed employees so you can stay employed, just because of your seniority. How many times have I read from your post about the TWU only concerned about dues money and nothing else complaint. Isn't this the same thing? The one thing I have learned while working here is everyone is all for themselves and nobody else, just saying.

I do not believe it is the same. My disdain is not for those in the TWU, it is for the type of union it is, Industrial. I do not want the TWU to shed employees, I just would rather have my craft compete evenly with the other airline mechanics in the industry. If the other classifications can negotiate and are successful then more power to them. I have had issues with the Industrial Unions for over 25 years. It isn't about dues, it is about the use of those dues for a political philosophy I do not believe in. My seniority does not have anything to do with this, I was once junior to thousands and was lucky enough for the industry not to have a downturn where I was affected. I came in in 1984, the contract was in 1983 which placed me in the B-Scale category and was told to suck it up I knew what I was getting. Is that what you want for me to tell those who are just now getting started or even the ex-AirCal and the ex-TWA employees to suck it up? If you are from TUL, come visit me on 1D Aft shift Avionics C/C T-S. We can discuss how you feel and what I should do to correct my issues. If you are satisfied with your representation, great. I hope you and others who feel the same, get everything the TWU can get for you, but I would rather see it on their merit alone instead of one political party or another.

 

[Buck]

“A sensible, successful bankruptcy reorganization requires real sacrifice from all stakeholders,”