Where do I start with this? I am not going to even try to start any kind of dialog with you about the many posts that you have posted from out of nowhere. I would like to remind you of several points that you are missing.
First, one can not spread rumors from something that is true. The reason "I heard" or "my friends say" is that the info came from friends at US Airways that I have come to know over the years as a customer. Anything that is repeated on here might be publicly known fact, or it might just be observation based on friends accounts of something that has happened to them while dealing with the union in some capacity. Because you do not agree with me or what appears to be anyone that that posts about union leaders does not make them liars.
Second, as an anonymous web board I will give you credit for the fact that it is buyer beware and there may be misinformation or people with agendas that post here. There are all sorts of different threads on this board it is not just flight attendants. What I have found through just reading these boards is a repetitive theme. It is a place to share gripes, thoughts, and feelings to others that may have experienced some of the same issues. People do not always agree on here, but again certainly does not make them wrong or a bunch of liars. You do have to draw your own conclusions from what takes place here. I am not sure why you are so suddenly concerned with these folks on this board. Some of these same arguments have been on this board for years. It appears you come from out of left field somewhere. I guess a post or two finally struck a nerve. It is almost like Mr. flores who seems to only reply when backed into a corner. Just saying!
The fact is that your beloved friend Miss Austin was recalled as the MEC president some time ago. "I think" it prudent that the discussion on this board ask tough questions as to why this happened. It is important to understand because she is negotiating an agreement that will affect the lives of some 10,000 US Airways flight Attendants. What are her motivations? What is her agenda? You are right in the fact that I as well as some of your flight attendants may not know the whole story behind what took place. If you know any truth on the subject do tell we are all ears. I am not sure why you are taking all these shots at the contributors to this board if you have info that will shed light to the truth. If you are truly concerned then set us straight with some facts please. The same thing goes for Mr. Flores.
I personally find it great that folks are finally fired up about their contract. It is evident looking at some of the FACTS at hand that the current negotiating committee is not representing the interests of ALL flight attendants. Even an outsider can see that the section for reserves is nothing but a magicians slight of hand. You are absolutly correct that it is not just about one section and is about the contract as a whole. However, the contract as a whole is made of many sections each as equally important. You can't just ignore one section because the majrity is not affected. It seems they are trying to throw the minority under the bus. Time and time again at these union meetings Mr' Flores has states that the line holders would not vote for this or that. I have had more than one person tell me this that was in attendance. Is it not up to the flight attendance themselves to decide this?
Here's where you start:
People seem upset that I'm suddenly posting on this forum. Why? did I violate some required notice, or permission to start posting? Am I not in the in crowd? Or is it because I'm not in lock-step with the rest of the forum? Left field? Please. I've started posting because after all these years on the line hearing people with a personal agenda, or who don't understand the contract or what is negotiated spreading rumors, vicious gossip, what-ifs, and lies, I'm through observing. As a member who actually wants a contract, I'm choosing action, out of concern for me, my fellow flight attendants, and even our ability to remain a bargaining unit. The deliberate lies and slander on the line have finally gotten to me. Hopefully I can also vent MY frustration on this forum. And I'm not stopping here.
Am I correct in gleaning from your post that you are not a flight attendant? Do you even work for US Airways? And as an outsider, what is your interest in the internal workings of our union?
With respect to your statement, the most effective slanders are those that twist the facts. And that was the tipping point for me. That and the fact that with all the infighting among the flight attendants, the company has no imperative to take us seriously. Your statement that reserves are being thrown under the bus is false. Nobody is being overlooked. I know it sounds old- fashioned, but realism and pragmatism, with dedication goes a lot further than inflammatory comments and general hysteria.
I was born into a union family and have acquired my knowledge over many, many years. Bargaining units have been rendered ineffective and imploded through inability to function because of membership infighting and rigidity of the union on contract negotiations. Are Carol and Mike perfect? No. Are any of us? Of course not. I do know this: They are getting up every morning and doing their jobs above and beyond, 12 hour days being the norm. They do battle with the company and then have to deal with a self-serving and snarky faction of flight attendants led by a flight attendant with an agenda who can't get elected to office by the members and has a personal vendetta with Carol that goes back a long time.
Many of the questions at the Oct. 7th meeting were only to harass. They weren't interested in real answers. The unelectable FA who excels at slander was seat hopping to whisper in the ears of those attending, especially reserves. Interpreting what you've been told about Mike only answering because he was backed into a corner as fact is a mistake. That's hearsay based upon someone's subjective viewpoint. Not fact. If I were Mike I'd be frustrated too. Damned if you do and damned if you don't.
Fired up about the contract? How about supporting the negotiating team so that the company can see we're a force to contend with? So far, the fire in the membership's belly isn't for a contract and the company is very well aware of that.
The line holders have also made their goals clear. That is where Mike gets his information. It would be quite prudent for the reserves to engage the line holders in a dialogue, many of which have at least double the seniority as reserves. And you bet we've paid our dues!! The reserves are making a big mistake to think that by obstructing the negotiating team's efforts, they're getting any support from us.
I will not be marginalized, folks. Like it or not, you will be hearing from me.
