Jim Little
Director
TWU
Air Transport Division
Dear Jim,
As it is readily apparent the relationship between the TWU and AA is a very cozy one. Nevertheless as a union organization it is important that the TWU at least appear to behave as a union in order to have some legitimacy in the eyes of the people and the members that believe you have their interests at heart.
Though the TWU obviously does not agree with the method the AMFA represented mechanics and related groups have taken in confronting NWA, still as a union, the TWU should at least understand the struggle the mechanics and related class and craft members at NWA have chosen in taking a stand against the whittling down of their wages, the forcing of drastic concessions, and further outsourcing. We share many of their same concerns as aviation workers. We find ourselves forced to subsidize cheap tickets to the flying public at a time when fuel costs continue to climb to outrageous levels. Most other industries would simply pass the costs on to the consumer.
As a union of men and women standing together for themselves these workers deserve the acknowledgement and respect of the TWU. I find it painful that the organization that I find myself associated with, the TWU, has not made any kind of support statement on their behalf. Jim, don’t support AMFA but do support the working men and women of Northwest who are about to take a stand. Assure these brave men and women that TWU members will not work on any NWA aircraft or service any of their airplanes. Assure these brave men and women that you will encourage the TWU membership not to fly Northwest Airlines if they are being struck. I feel so embarrassed to feel the need to write a union member in a leadership position in order to urge him to take this sort of action. This suggestion should not even have to be brought up Jim, however, I have noticed that the TWU has not acted in any manner concerning this issue. Jim, look at the action of the union for the pilots at UPS. This is an example how a union leader must act.
"The Independent Pilots Association is strongly committed to the principle of solidarity with our fellow transportation industry workers," said IPA President Tom Nicholson. "We will simply set the parking brakes on any UPS plane containing struck goods."
This man understands what it takes to be a true union leader. “What part of union do you not understand?â€-This man understands the meaning of unionism! Jim, act like a union leader and issue a press release supporting, not AMFA, but the men and women of Northwest, in their struggle for fairness. Let them know TWU members will not cross picket lines, fly on (including flying NWA to Las Vegas for the TWU 22nd Constitutional Convention), work on, or service Northwest Aircraft during a strike. Jim demonstrate to the membership of the TWU that you are a union leader rather than a company stooge.
Dennis K. Hayes
Director
TWU
Air Transport Division
Dear Jim,
As it is readily apparent the relationship between the TWU and AA is a very cozy one. Nevertheless as a union organization it is important that the TWU at least appear to behave as a union in order to have some legitimacy in the eyes of the people and the members that believe you have their interests at heart.
Though the TWU obviously does not agree with the method the AMFA represented mechanics and related groups have taken in confronting NWA, still as a union, the TWU should at least understand the struggle the mechanics and related class and craft members at NWA have chosen in taking a stand against the whittling down of their wages, the forcing of drastic concessions, and further outsourcing. We share many of their same concerns as aviation workers. We find ourselves forced to subsidize cheap tickets to the flying public at a time when fuel costs continue to climb to outrageous levels. Most other industries would simply pass the costs on to the consumer.
As a union of men and women standing together for themselves these workers deserve the acknowledgement and respect of the TWU. I find it painful that the organization that I find myself associated with, the TWU, has not made any kind of support statement on their behalf. Jim, don’t support AMFA but do support the working men and women of Northwest who are about to take a stand. Assure these brave men and women that TWU members will not work on any NWA aircraft or service any of their airplanes. Assure these brave men and women that you will encourage the TWU membership not to fly Northwest Airlines if they are being struck. I feel so embarrassed to feel the need to write a union member in a leadership position in order to urge him to take this sort of action. This suggestion should not even have to be brought up Jim, however, I have noticed that the TWU has not acted in any manner concerning this issue. Jim, look at the action of the union for the pilots at UPS. This is an example how a union leader must act.
"The Independent Pilots Association is strongly committed to the principle of solidarity with our fellow transportation industry workers," said IPA President Tom Nicholson. "We will simply set the parking brakes on any UPS plane containing struck goods."
This man understands what it takes to be a true union leader. “What part of union do you not understand?â€-This man understands the meaning of unionism! Jim, act like a union leader and issue a press release supporting, not AMFA, but the men and women of Northwest, in their struggle for fairness. Let them know TWU members will not cross picket lines, fly on (including flying NWA to Las Vegas for the TWU 22nd Constitutional Convention), work on, or service Northwest Aircraft during a strike. Jim demonstrate to the membership of the TWU that you are a union leader rather than a company stooge.
Dennis K. Hayes
