Grassroots Efforts at DL for ACS and FAs, no personal attacks.

[700UW]

I was responding to a post on the 360 site last night from a FA wanting to know how they would get fed if they were hungry? I took it to reference the occasional FSM showing up with the company credit card and offering to go get the crew something to eat, most likely due to an unscheduled delay. This FA was wondering if the IAM would come running to bring them food?!? I have not responded to any of the posts on that site, not sure why I chose to break my silence last night other than I couldn't "let it go". It was suggested that I repost so here goes...
 
I remember getting "real" crew meals all the time under our previous contracts. They were the same meals as FC and most of them were "hot" entrees with a full set-up tray,... Though, I do also remember many FAs asking for a "healthier" version e.g..salads, etc. (can't please everyone🙂 That being said, as a "grown-up" and as a prepared "mom", I have a "stash" in my bag, "nourishment" in the case of unexpected delays, or perhaps in the case that the offered meal that doesn't fit my dietary needs. Under the contract, I knew when and what I would be getting and by choice, I could decline and bring my own. And, in any circumstance, I still would carry nuts, granola, soup packets, because there is always the chance that something might disrupt the schedule.
 
Did my Union Dues pay for unexpected interruptions in my schedule? Not necessarily, but sometimes the fact that I was guaranteed a meal after being on duty "x" number of hours without a chance to get nourishment, or if a meal was not catered, etc. there was compensation. Did that preclude the company from stepping up to the plate in an IROP situation?, not at all...most of the time there was an effort to get us food from an airport vendor as we waited through whatever unexpected delay was in front of us. It wasn't a contentious relationship, but one of respect, we weren't made to feel guilty for asking for assistance, and yet there was accountability to make it happen.
 
As a work force, we were team players. We, at times waived our rights to make an exception to the rule, however, since it was our "choice", it's ironic that there were fewer occasions that required us to make that choice. There in lies a lesson for many, when the rule book is in "black and white", there will be fewer occasions to ask for an exception. Exception being something that was due to an IROP or perhaps an individual's family crisis.
 
Can there be give and take? Yes, there always was under the contracts I enjoyed, but without the "fear" of retribution and retaliation. I rested much easier with the fact that I had a union to support me, much like I appreciate that fact that I have insurance to back me in the case of an an unexpected catastrophe or car accident, etc. So yes, I will choose "dues" over "shoes".....when and until then, we will not have that expense...and when we do...as in my past....those dues are tax deductible, just like the uniform expenses and such that I claim each year.
 
I didn't come from a union background, but I learned to appreciate the gifts I've have received from the efforts of those who struggled before me. Whether one has received those benefits as a first-born or is receiving them because they are a distant relative that happens to be in the industry, we should be grateful for those that have struggled and fought the good fight.....we have all benefitted from them. Can any mistakes on either side of the fence occur...of course...but that is what "side letters" are all about.
 
Any contract can be amended, improved upon, and additional enhancements can be implemented. The best part is that both parties have to agree, it can't be changed on a whim or to benefit just the administrative side. That's what Iam talking about.

 
 

 

[southwind]

I don't think it's blasphemy so much as the author inaccurately assumes that everything they perceive as "good" at DL will automatically end with representation.I personally see no reason why people can't (or wouldn't) continue to deliver the superior service we do know.

Ever heard the term, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" ?

 

[700UW]

12,000 and rising think its broke.

 

[700UW]

http://inthesetimes.com/working/entry/17596/delta_airlines_union

 

[WorldTraveler]

12,000 and rising think its broke.

given how poorly the IAM and American unionism's track record is for accurately reading and implanting the desires of the American people, it is no surprise that union membership has fallen as low as it has.

don't be so sure you have a mandate.

 

[BABABOOY]

Every hear the term "Don't count your chickens until their hatched? "

 

[Kev3188]

Had DL "leadership" not done so poorly at reading what the workforce wanted/needed, we might not be watching this sort of history unfold.

 

[WorldTraveler]

or as I have noted, the card drive is really a negotiating tool that the DL FAs are using to get money out of the company. There are always negotiations in the workplace.

you and the IAM are making a mistake if you equate cards solely with a mandate to be unionized.

 

[robbedagain]

i'd like to see the reaction of the anti union peeps if the IAM is officially ELECTED to REPRESENT DL FAs and ACS  

 

[700UW]

or as I have noted, the card drive is really a negotiating tool that the DL FAs are using to get money out of the company. There are always negotiations in the workplace.

you and the IAM are making a mistake if you equate cards solely with a mandate to be unionized.

Yep over 12,000 FAs conspired together, NOT!
 
Keep reaching.

 

[BABABOOY]

I like to see the reaction when the union gets turned down yet again for the 4th time lol
Or even better the reaction if they determine their isn't enough VALID cards

 

[700UW]

http://youtu.be/Bp3Yl0Hc_ZQ

 

[700UW]

 

[robbedagain]

I like to see the reaction when the union gets turned down yet again for the 4th time lol
Or even better the reaction if they determine their isn't enough VALID cards

well not all 12k plus can be invalid now can they??    Dont take this the wrong way BABA  but its just my own personal experience and opin as well as my wish to see the FAs and the ACS become union in addition to hearing and seeing what I see and know that goes on at DL here in my station.   One example is   the ramp may be mainline but not all of the ramp is mainline    I wonder how many other cities in DL system has a ramp that is split off like it is here...    Not to mention considering DL large ops in CLT yet the ramp is not even mainline....   Whats wrong w that pic.. 

 

[robbedagain]

http://youtu.be/Bp3Yl0Hc_ZQ

yea  him remaining neutral   right..