Tim Nelson
Veteran
Here's the latest rumor that seems to be 'picking up steam'.
A rumor generated out of Pittsburgh has the TWU working out a deal with the IAM, thereby selling out its own membership. Supposedly, the IAM will pay the TWU so much money per member for x amount of years, in return the TWU withdraws its petition for an election which basically hands over all its America West members to the IAM.
The IAM is also apparently set to withdraw its organizing drive at Continental so the TWU can be the sole petitioner there.
That's the rumor. Maybe 700 could help substantiate this or shoot this down from the IAM's side.
My opinion on the matter is that I do not believe the above to be true, however, I'm just on the outside looking in. I think there may have been some talk between the two unions as I believe the AFLCIO did in fact get involved in some capacity but I would find it troubling if it were true. Let's hope there is an election and democracy rules. There is bad blood between these two unions which goes all the way back to the American Airlines ordeal which put the screws to IAM members, so any deal between these two unions seems unlikely IMO.
One thing I'm sure of, the TWU was given many more cards then they actually needed. CLT gave around 400, and about another dozen cities helped clean things up to secure an election if the TWU wants one. I also believe the NMB will rule on an election and that that is the only thing the TWU is wating on.
If there is an election then IMO the TWU would get more votes than the IAM and that is why the IAM is shouting from on top the hill about a complete decert.
regards,
A rumor generated out of Pittsburgh has the TWU working out a deal with the IAM, thereby selling out its own membership. Supposedly, the IAM will pay the TWU so much money per member for x amount of years, in return the TWU withdraws its petition for an election which basically hands over all its America West members to the IAM.
The IAM is also apparently set to withdraw its organizing drive at Continental so the TWU can be the sole petitioner there.
That's the rumor. Maybe 700 could help substantiate this or shoot this down from the IAM's side.
My opinion on the matter is that I do not believe the above to be true, however, I'm just on the outside looking in. I think there may have been some talk between the two unions as I believe the AFLCIO did in fact get involved in some capacity but I would find it troubling if it were true. Let's hope there is an election and democracy rules. There is bad blood between these two unions which goes all the way back to the American Airlines ordeal which put the screws to IAM members, so any deal between these two unions seems unlikely IMO.
One thing I'm sure of, the TWU was given many more cards then they actually needed. CLT gave around 400, and about another dozen cities helped clean things up to secure an election if the TWU wants one. I also believe the NMB will rule on an election and that that is the only thing the TWU is wating on.
If there is an election then IMO the TWU would get more votes than the IAM and that is why the IAM is shouting from on top the hill about a complete decert.
regards,