interesting idea freedom... I doubt that it has ever been considered. Members at larger locals may want to introduce the idea as new business at their next local meeting. The local's Communicator would be the coordinator of implementing. Would there be a way to track the number of members viewing?
Roabilly,
In my earlier years, when I was under a Teamster contract, I witnessed first hand what you speak of. The contract we were under was industry leading in terms of wages, benefits, working conditions, etc... A representation election was ordered as a result of the merger with Piedmont. Needless to say... the Teamsters were voted out and decertified leading to years of no representation. The ink wasn't dry on the decertification papers... when US slashed many of the benefits we enjoyed. Contrary to the popular belief, that the election tally was the result of a non union vote, predominantly from the Piedmont employees, I beg to differ. When you crunch the numbers... had the Teamster represented cities strongly voted pro Teamster the union would have won the election regardless of a strong non union vote from the Piedmont cities. In summary... many Teamster represented employees, while enjoying the hard fought benefits of a Teamster contract, voted NO to representation. As a result of that election we, as a group were set back so far we are still recovering IMO. I await the day when we start LEARNING FROM PAST MISTAKES. The first corrective action needed: Support your union and the leadership. Give you three guesses who spearheaded and supported the decertification of the Teamsters back then. The second corrective action needed: The group needs to stop following false prophets.
Kev3188,
Just telling it like it is, and your too blind to see it. Sorry about the grammar, but that's the least of my worries.
I ask you are you "telling it like it is" or telling it the way you see it? Before one accuses others of being blind they should to take a true assesment of themselves. Do you believe you speak for the majority of your sisters and brothers systemwide? If not, you are presenting your opinion solely. I ask you... who is truly blind brother? Open your eyes and realize who your true adversaries are. They are not your union, the leadership or the Negotiating Committee. I agree there is room for improvement within the IAM and the District but IMO... let's not cut our nose off to spite the face.
I don't speak for the majority but it's the way I see it at my station. I have talked to others and thier comments are in the same ball park. Your right about the improvement. No, I don't trust the company nor do I wish to be without the union but desire for better representation.
With that being said... may I ask what you and others in your station have done to improve better representation? To improve the quality of representation one needs to get involved, educated and engaged. It's easy to remain disengaged, not committed and critisize those who are trying to do their best. My challenge and plea, to the 95% of the disengaged members is simply this... with your involvement and participation we can build a stronger union and solidarity within our ranks that has been long overdue. The in house fighting erodes solidarity and weakens our bargaining leverage.
Agreed and duly noted Brother! Change is needed from both sides if we hope to go forward. Members must get more involved and the union must find ways to be receptive to the members' concerns. Unfortunately, I have not seen movement on either issue the past 4 years from either party. IMO... if this pattern is not broken it will be the demise of the IAM US Fleet representation and the members represented.
