2 Unions Stalling Delta's Progress ?

[LukeAisleWalker]

Well, I tried to introduce other topics of conversation, and you guys did ok, but for some reason those threads just don't have the fervor of the more "controversial" issues.
I don't mean to be the proverbial pot-stirrer but just for the sake of averting boredom (and keeping you all 'on your toes') 😉 ..........

This is an article that was posted on Baptiste and Wilder's RLA site:

http://bapwild.com/blog/2009/03/16/spin-sp...-the-dramamine/

excerpt:

The [Detroit News Article]article http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artic.../903160347/1001 has the expected comments from pro-management consultants cast as “observers†and is devoid of any skeptical inquiry regarding management’s intentions. And, no surprise, it casts the dispute over when a union election would occur as just a matter of the unions wanting dues–rather than the real issue of whether the flight attendants and ground service employees will have an enforceable labor contract (like the pilots do, remember) or will go under the unilateral discretion of management to set work rules, pay and benefits however it wishes in its interest.

This is the kind of shallow and lazy reporting that, unfortunately, characterizes some of the reporting on the airline industry. Why actually report when you can just call up a spokesman (and an “observer†who the company spokesman likely suggests)?

Airline passengers are used to having to occasionally use air sickness pills. But with spin like this going on, it will be the flight attendants and ground employees of Delta/Northwest who need the Dramamine.


P.S. Maybe the Detroit News should read the USA Today, it might help their reporting–“Delta takes its time to get Northwest merger right.†http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/t...est-delta_N.htm

 

[Kev3188]

I don't they're stalling at all. I don't think the integrations required to be in place for in order for the AFA/IAM to petition the NMB for Single Transportation System have been met yet.

 

[Dignity]

I don't they're stalling at all.

they arent stalling they are refusing to do anything at all..

what they should be doing right now is determining if there will be representation and if so, working on negotiating a contract so the two work groups can be integrated shortly after the SOC instead of being separate..

especially when capacity cuts and 're-evaluating staffing' is being brought up..

 

[BABABOOY]

Question
What would the "Hypothetical" time-line be if the AFA gets voted in?
Vote July/Aug?
how long for contract negotiation?
Election of officers?

 

[Dignity]

how long for contract negotiation?

that depends on both parties..what one is willing to acknowledge and what another finds acceptable and negotiate (taking into consideration the economy at this time)..I really need to say this..and I know it been said before but.. people better be thankful they have a job doing what they love..unemployment and job loss is horrible at this time..

all I can say is.. if they go in there and demand an industry leading contract that surpasses every US airline it will not happen in the short term.. but in the possible long term...expect to wait several years (while both groups remain separate..think US/AW) if they go in there.. with an intent to combine the best of both groups with modest improvements and addressing reserve(refinement of Adays) that could probably be resolved timely.. that is being realistic..

BTW, I agree we deserve to have an industry leading contract (if the group chooses representation) but it will take time and a few contracts to get there.. just like it took time to build the contract we lost... and a lot of that depends on the economic situation in our country.