So... in the event of a merger between AA and US both unions would be considered incumbent by the NMB and therefore subjected to the requirements set forth which requires evidence, but not limited to, a seniority list, dues check off list or a collectve bargaining agreement or certification from at least 35% of the employees in the craft and class. Is this interpretation accurate?
700 is drawing conclusions that are not confirmed. To be sure, it is the IAM's position and it would test the new law. If the IAM is successful then it will necessarily further delay in any wage increases, etc since a representational dispute will set any representation determinations back another 6-12 months. Further, any election ordered would not give 'representation' an automatic 'rerun election' if "NO union" finished in second place. Thus, depending on the individual, some members may actually like this if they think paying dues is a waste. Section 2 9th of the new law under the RLA changes the rules in favor of 'no union', that is why the IAM may be risking representation altogether if it pushes to protect its dues interest and force a favorable ruling for an election, otherwise, the TWU would automatically blanket all employees. Also, it is not impossible, yet maybe probable that the Teamsters may partake with a write in campaign. regards,
This continual coddling of the TWU by US leadership through closed door / secretive negotiations with a union who is not even on their property speaks volumes. The way I read it... US would much prefer contract negotiatiations with the TWU over the IAM in the event of a merger. What's that tell you?
Not sure the TWU will be able to make that deal even if it wanted to since that sorta deal wouldn't come down until after the regulatory boys approve the merger and then the whole time consuming single carrier process before any representational issues can start. The IAM 142 is still trying to transition the employees it represents at AirTran and that deal was announced in 2010. A lot will change between now and the next 2-3 years when representational issues are engaged, and imo, AMFA or the IBT will be representing the AMR mx by then. Both of those organizations aren't dumping thousands into a raid right now for nothing. I'm also inclined to think that the IBT may be representing the UA ramp by then since the IAM Bosses have failed. If the IAM were to actually do its job and quit signing contracts with ready reserve, double part time %, and other dopey things, then maybe the IAM wouldn't be losing so many members. As it stands now, management doesn't even bother with the IAM until management is ready to give the union people what the non contract already has. Sad indeed and strong unionist from years ago are rolling over in their graves over how these union bosses have destroyed labor in this country. regards,
Their strategy of getting all the AA work groups on board for a merger, as you put it, while blatantly ignoring their own work groups' interests is an insult to the US workgroups. Workgroups who have sacrificed much to keep US solvent. IMO... This strategy will lead to "another Delta fiasco" as well.
I'm not professing the IAM is perfect by any means; no union is. It is quite evident to me however, based on the company's actions, which union they would prefer to have represent the Fleet Service. Additionally, it would be safe to speculate that this preference is in their own best interests and not ours. Apparently US views the TWU as more business friendly.
