November 10 was a good day for unionism. Forty Delta ramp and cargo workers from DTW gathered at IAM Local 141 in the morning and another 40 came in the afternoon. By the end of the day more than 300 signed union authorization cards had been turned in and 1000 blank cards had been distributed.
Attendees heard reports about progress in MSP, ATL, LGA, JFK and about progress in the flight attendant union drive. Workers discussed the problems that they face: Ready Reserves without benefits and schedule problems created by Delta, discipline, constantly changing work rules, short staffing, raises that are not raises, fear of outsourcing, destruction of full time jobs, safety issues and more.
Many of the participants stepped forward to be part of union card collection. Building a large group of activists is the key to getting an election. Both meetings had extended discussions on what our rights at work are under Federal Law and the Delta Advocacy Policy (found on Deltanet). Union supporters developed a strong understanding of those rights during the discussion.
The crowd was made up of Ready Reserves, junior and senior permanent employees, cargo and ramp. The importance of unity of all groups was underscored again and again.
Since the meeting, cards have been flowing in as card collectors go to work.