Item 1: What are Canale's reasons 'rightfully'? My understanding of Canale is based on his interest. His interest lies with the United Airline Board of Directors which he participates with. Whatever Canale has ready, is only what Parker will allow since he's Parker's boy. Best answer is to try to understand what Parker will allow, and that is what Canale will have ready. Make any sense? That's unfortunate but that's what the scoreboard sez.
Item 2: Is there a realistic chance that we could enter sec-6 here in the West?
First off, although your company sez it wants a transition agreement and it appears to be desperarely seeking one, this has been going on for 2 years. Like Boss Canale believes, I myself am also convinced that your company does in fact need a transition. But what if Boss Canale and myself are wrong? This is where myself and Canale disagree. While I believe your company needs and wants a transition, I have to anticipate that this may not be true because Parker has dragged out transition talks for 2 years now, therefore, my 'beliefs' should not come at the expense of section 6 for the west. I mean, maybe the company is 'jacking o##" the IAM and just stalling the west section 6 AND offering goofy TA's that will never pass. We've already learned that the present IAM AGC's are stupid and inadequate. That is why you have to start section 6 negotiations like yesterday, it is the unions fidicuary duty, it keeps the company accountable, and it is the surest path to a fair agreement. Plus if things get nasty, the east contract provides that no East employee has to cross a picket line. So in essance, if the west strikes, then it becomes a 'domino effect' from coast to coast. Commencing section 6 negotiations also puts more pressure on the company, in any case. If you can work out a fair transition then great but it shouldn't mean you throw the section 6 card out of the deck, then the deck is stacked.
However, although the present leadership is stupid enough to be willing to sidestep section 6 for the west and wait till 2010 if Parker is just playing games on transition, I know who the new US AIRWAYS leaders are going to be and they are clear that they will not wait till 2010 to start section 6 for the west. Once these new US AIRWAYS AGC's enter their office this year and send the boys packing, section 6's will commence.
Item 3: What can I help myself and our brothers here in PHX concentrate on now? Once again, if you speak directly to us, we can act.
Nothing has changed, in any context it's all about doing a professional job + making sure you DON"T work in an unsafe way. It's called respect for eachother and I'd concentrate on that. This is one area where I actually think your company is doing a great job in trying to convey it wants a safe workplace, so I will just yield this question to all those company bulletins that are probably plastered all over your breakroom walls like wallpaper. Best answer, just read the company safety bulletins, and therein lies your answer.
regards,
Tim Nelson
IAM Local Chairman 1487 ORD
