Tim, whats so special about your ticket i mean it all sounds good on paper but there were alot of things discussed back in 08 about change how do we know its not the same ole same ole
The platform. The platform that Rich wanted was to change the names at the top, communicate more effectively, and to focus on organizing. Everyone realized that a new direction was needed after Canale signed over original language that stripped seniority for pay purposes and created the class 2 pay, stripped rampers of profit sharing, etc. The ND wasn't the same ole, I focused on Directing the organizing department and we were incredibly successful. So it wasn't the same ole. The problem is that along the way, the New Direction made some 'wrong turns' when it came to representation. So much in fact that I determined that it didn't make any sense for me to keep organizing thousands of new members only to have the representational arm screw folks over.
I also think the communication of the New Direction is seriously lacking. When Rich promised communication, he brought in a communication team that was suppose to coordinate information, knowledge, etc. Instead what happened is that the website is big on fluff and wins awards, but just about every update has a video of the latest picnic where someone is eating a cheeseburger and drinking some suds and saying "Go IAM". Nothing against Lehive, because he is just completing his assignments [and he truly is 24/7] but the membership wants substance and not videos of the latest party. I'm not interested in web design awards. To begin with, maybe our union can at least provide some updates on the labor advisory committee. Why do our US AIRWAYS members have to go to the CWA site for that information? Or maybe they can follow the bylaws and provide a list of all grievances to the Local chairman and which ones have been dissolved, resolved, etc. But, above all, it still comes down to the solidarity question, and keeping information and knowledge from flowing down to us at the masses is the sorta thing that keeps folks scattered, ignorant, etc. I mean, there is a reason why nobody knows anything about what wage or what whatever your negotiations team has proposed. Sorry, but they can keep all of the updates to themself that say a whole bunch of nothing other than the typical rhetoric, "Things are progressing" or the slightly aberrated, "things will take time...". The Occupy 141 insistence on not signing dopey confidentiality papers will mean that the website will be filled with real information instead of hot dog parties and cheeseburger flipping contest. Sheesh.
The Occupy 141 platform has been posted and it spells out a total paradigm shift that finally puts the District back in the hands of the members like it is suppose to be. There are other philosophy switches, like in negotiations. I will have a lead AGC in negotiations, an attorney, but having more AGC's makes no sense at all. Keep the AGC's in the field processing grievances instead of having their time occupied in negotiations. Have the negotiations team well represented with all people. I don't have a problem with the present negotiators but not one of them is part time or from CLP or from the Tower. And I think it is a crime for me or anyone else who hasn't worked in such a capacity to think that we know that work. Having a CLP person and a tower person in negotiations will give us further insight when addressing their work, and including a part timer will give us a much needed perspective on part time issues. By reducing the level of AGC's in negotiations, we can save on the cost factor and I want the AGC's in the field supporting the Local Committees and processing and fighting grievances.
Onward!
Tim