I agree! However, AMFA at NWA failed because they were on an island by themselves. No help from ramp, pilots, f/a.....nobody, not even the AMT's from other airlines supported them. Believe it or not, affiliation with large union organizations benefits everybody when the war starts. Look, nobody wins in a strike....NWA benefited from a pool of layed off scabs. AMFA lost because there was no support from fellow union members. Period. I'm afraid AMP will suffer the same. We're going to be on an island by ourselves if we strike, and or look for support from other union organizations.
At the local level, the problem is us! we've lost touch with unionism. It's all about me. Individualism! Deals! However, if we start caring for each other, and standing up for the other guy, things will change. The TWU Constitution didn't cause this.
Well...strike, this is the thing...and there's really no getting around this. When you're with a catch-all union, they know who there "numbers" are(ie, ramp, clerical, stock/material etc), and it's these people, frankly, who are the ones who stand to gain the most at contract time-off
our backs of course. Also, we mechanics are a tool the industrial unions have used at the negotiating table(for decades-and the only group the company fears striking-aside from the flight crews)to win the gains they wish for the rest of the membership. And of course the mechs, being the minority in these unions, once again, take it in the shorts.
Which is why, the NWA mechs broke away from the other groups. I don't think anyone needs to me to point out how NWA corp prepared for the inevitable...to bust AMFA before it swept the entire industry. And btw, AK mechs(AMFA)walked with NW mechs up here in SEA. I do know others walked with NW mechs elsewhere. But it was really the pilots & f/as strolling right through the striking mechs that really screwed up the AMFA strike. Had they not crossed, we'd all have a very different story about the NWA/AMFA ordeal. Ask the WN mechs about what they think about AMFA representation.
I've said over and again, I do believe the union(whoever is rep the mechs)has to be realistic with the company while nego a contract-being mindful of the financial health of the company at contract time. But as far as I'd be concerned...if I was at AA as a mech(and I hope to be before too long), staying with the dreaded, pathetic TWU would NOT be an option. I would rather roll the dice on our own and negotiate OUR deal and let the others stand on there own. And we'll see how long the Co farts around with
them, standing alone. If I was AA mgnt nego team, I'd toss an offer on the table(being as fair as I can be with basically unskilled labor)and tell them take it or leave it. And have a plan B...we all know what plan B would be too. It is what it is man.
Entry level, unskilled labor is a starting point in the company. The TWU has managed to turn them into high paid career positions the company never intended to pay. Take from the unskilled and compensate the skilled, talented, liability shouldering AMTs keeping your fricken fleet airworthy! Honestly, I would think AA would savour the opportunity to see this play out.
I'm sure you know all this man. If you guys are ever going to get a decent deal, AA mechs are just going to have to take a leap of faith and go it alone and get your own deal. Be reasonable, stay smart/strong/united and get a
decent contract AND decent language(equally important)-see if the Co can it back on track-then go after the top dollar figure. I believe if AMP operates honestly, openly and with integrity, I believe it work. Like I said...I don't know about you, but staying with the TWU is NOT an option! It can't get any worse!
