jake said:
Dave (Mo),
Let me restate, I think it speaks volumes about AMFA?s integrity if they are supporting individuals that have taken an oath of loyalty to obtain a leadership position and have no intention of upholding that oath. It?s simply hypocrisy in its purest form. If you AMFA boys want to pursue a new union, have at it?just don?t be hypocrites in the process. It also says a lot about the kind of ?leaders? you have supporting your efforts when
Mr. Toussaint WILL NOT SALUTE OUR FLAG and WILL NOT PLEDGE HIS ALLIEGENCE to the UNITED STATES of AMERICA, the very country that gives him (and you) the freedom to be who you are. Furthermore, the mechanics and related of the TWU must choose to participate in order to make a difference in their Union. Changing unions simply will not change the participation level of the membership. That fact can be realized by looking at the unimpressive vote totals at NWA, United and SWA. By the way, if I come rally with you, will you leave our organization?
Ok Let me restate my position,
I believe it was Jim Little and the TWU who decided seperate locals and self determination was the answer for the line mechanic during the last AMFA drive.
If the TWU decides to charter a local and nearly 100% of that local supports AMFA, how does one obtain anything other than a TWU Officer who supports AMFA and yet, is elected by the membership to lead the "seperate local"?
Seems to me, the TWU got exactly what they created!
No spin, just plain facts.
Local 562 is overwhemingly an AMFA supporting Local as well as most other Locals besides Tulsa Local 514. If you remove Bob and Chuck, then hold another election, I will bet money that the TWU will get another AMFA supporting President and Treasurer? Any doubts?
My personal opinion...
Taking an oath of allegiance to the TWU while supporting AMFA does have some crediblity issues that arise. But if there is such strong support for AMFA at Local 562, I think they need elected representatives, and it seems an AMFA supporter is the best leader. I don't know how to get around the oath and elect the best leaders. Seems to me we should all sign cards, go AMFA and get better leadership across the board, including Tulsa Oklahoma!
Bottom line is the TWU chartered Local 562 knowing full well they were very supportive of AMFA, expecting anything less than exactly what has occurred is not only stupid, but foolish. The fact remains that 8 Airlines are now represented by AMFA, 80-90% of the AA Line Mechanics are AMFA supporters, 70-80% of AFW at AA supports AMFA, did it ever occur to you that the Tulsa Mechanic that is still blinded by the LIES generated by Local 514 might actually be the problem?
twuer,
Despite our difference of opinions regarding TWU vs AMFA, you appear to be a good union man, and care deeply about the welfare of yourself, your family, and your co-workers. There is NO dispute that our union membership is deeply divided. The only way to reconcile is to have a Union Representation election. Given most TWU Officers view that an election would "destroy the TWU", they appear to know that AMFA will win the election, thus they are now attempting to prevent that election, which is nothing more than anti-American, and anti-Union in itself. Have you read the AMFA Constitution? Do you really believe in "strength in numbers"? Because the "NUMBERS" appear to be represented by AMFA. Why can't you just allow the membership to decide their own fate via an election, and if AMFA wins, put your efforts into running for Office under the most Democratic Constitution in Labor History?
You preach Solidarity.
Look up Solidarity in the Dictionary, the word is not a slogan, the word has both a definition and a meaning in the English Language.
sol?i?dar?i?ty
Pronunciation: (sol"i-dar'i-tE),
?n.,
?pl. -ties.
1. union or fellowship arising from common responsibilities and interests, as between members of a group or between classes, peoples, etc.: to promote solidarity among union members.
2. community of feelings, purposes, etc.
3. community of responsibilities and interests.
The National Mediation Board determines Craft or Class based on "mutuality of interest" and has determined that you have NO mutual interest with Fleet Service, Stock Clerks, Bus Drivers, ect.
Thus if SOLIDARITY means "fellowship arising from common responsibilities and interests", you should be able to see that you will have more SOLIDARITY in a UNION OF MECHANICS rather than a catch all, represent anybody who will pay dues union?
Or maybe you would care to explain in detail, how your interest and responsiblities are common to the Bus Driver, the Fleet Service Clerk, the Stock Clerk, the Dispatchers, the Railroad Workers, and ZEBCO Rod and Reel Makers?
