I hear yahh cargo...
You passed the diplomatic, tactful, and honest test. I only have one thing to add... most of the F/S agents I speak with are far from apathetic. They know full well of the ramifications of changing leadership, as well the consequences of not participating in the election process.
I think you will see a very profound statement in member participation in June... just as we had in 2008!
Never under estimate this membership... they have arisen to many challenges in the past, and they will arise to this challenge as well!
Everyone has chosen sides... the stage is set... may the best team WIN!
Roabily,
All I can say is that I hope CLT comes out bigtime. You had great respect for me and even took my word for things until late September when you pledged your political allegiance with the establishment. Talk all the crap you want Roabily, two things can't be denied.
1. When you and the membership paid me, I delivered and reformed organizing. Bottom line. And I did so because I don't stop.
2. Delaney and crew have plugged up 7 contracts and have become the starting pitcher that can't get out of the first inning. Other than the Hawaiian airline contract that they signed that supported management's desire to pay part timers have of full time and pay for parking.
Moving forward, this is the MOST critical time for all the US AIRWAYS members since a merger is likely with an airline that is almost twice its size. What we know already is the following:
1. US AIRWAYS management has been negotiating with the New DIrection for 6 months and has done nothing but lockout members and lay off 400 members during that time, including another 100 next month.
2. In only 6 weeks, US AIRWAYS management negotiated with the TWU and guaranteed to save 3,000 jobs more than AA management.
3. The New Direction leadership pledged a 'neutral' stance until the merger is farther along and more is known.
I submit to my fellow union members at US AIRWAYS that now ISN"T THE TIME to be neutral. When your management shows the door to 55 IND IAM members and says "Tuffa Lucka", but then specifically mentions IND as being protected with the TWU.....SOMETHING IS WRONG.
The New Direction is just like Canale and there isn't anything other than fascilitaiting management's plan or acting as a "I'll Ask Management" union. If, at any time, your union shouldn't be neutral, it's this time.
And Roabily, you are quick to talk about how the sacredity clause will not be enacted because you assume that US AIRWAYS is buying AMR. That may be the case as far as the stock may go but as far as the language of the merger, Doug Parker has said it will be a reversed merger, headquartered in DFW with the name American. And if you intend to take your members off of a cliff by taking Doug Parker for granted and assuming that he will not take advantage of the seniority clause to get rid of senior agents then you are politically delusional.
To the audience, these guys can talk all the crap they want but when I was serving you, I delivered because I don't stop. I reformed the organizing and now I'm coming back to finish the job and reform this nasty IAM representation that is stuck in the 1940's. It won't matter who is in charge of the union unless you have a president that knows how to fight and pushes the INTL union also.
Bobbleheads will only produce more job loss and keep an inequitable situation for all of our members. And it doesn't matter what airline. The New Direction has failed United and Hawaiian also. It makes no sense in going with leadership composed of canale leftovers or leadership composed of a United president who just screwed his own and threw his members into transition talks without gaining anything for them, unlike other unions who secured consideration and tribute for doing so.
You want neutral folks, vote Delaney and you will get the same ole and I guarantee it will be neutral.
You want someting for your dues, then you vote for the one person who delivered already on your dime.
Onward!
Tim