BigDog58 wrote:Nope, I have negotiated with them in several roles throughout my career.
I have refused to join them and suffered the consequences of such.
They are the embodiment of group think and the liberal ideal.
How folks who claim conservative values can continue to be supportive of them in any capacity, astounds me.
I was a representative and was part of the negotiations team on two contracts at NWA and prior to that, one contract at EAL. I knew going in, that my job was to get the best possible compensation package possible for the nearly 10,000 people I represented. I also understood not everything we wanted, was obtainable, nor was everything the Airline wanted. It took long hard discussions and some compromise from both sides.
I felt that the workers had the best chance of getting fair work rules and fair compensation, when we dealt as a bargaining unit, rather than on an individual basis. This view came after working at several non-union aircraft maintenance jobs. I saw the unjust way employees were treated, with zero consistency in those instances. I was even on a "grievance committee" at one of the non-union shops. I was part of the first employee rights policy that was instituted at that company. I am still in touch with several of those people, that I helped way back then (late 1970's thru early 80's).
I will never say unions are perfect. On occasion I had to fight my district officers as much, or more, when I was doing what was right (what the membership had told me they wanted) for my membership. But, I ALWAYS made certain that not only the company's lived within the contract, but my membership did as well.
I have never considered myself as a conservative nor a liberal. I have never claimed conservative values either. I have lobbied and campaigned in D.C. for workers rights, and fought to try and keep U.S. jobs here. I could go on for three or four pages but I believe I've stated my position. The last thing I'll say, is that on the day when I had to medically retire from NWA, due to a devastating injury I suffered at work, The CEO and the V.P. of Aircraft Maintenance came to the going away party my co-workers and union brother/sisters threw for me. Both the CEO & VP said that while I was the toughest Union Rep they had dealt with, I was also the most fair. I took that as a compliment and always will. I still have members calling me almost weekly, about retirement issues and such, and I'm happy I can get them helped, or pointed in the right direction.
I still tell people, that when you are sick and have to stay home, but are still getting paid, Thank a Union Worker. Or when you get a paid vacation, Thank a Union Worker. When you have safety in the workplace, Thank a Union Worker. The same, when you get paid for not working on a holiday. Or, when you get paid overtime on your job. All of these were fought for and won, by union workers. Company's did not grant these out of the goodness of their hearts. Men and Women sacrificed, bled, and some even died, to get us to the standards most workers enjoy today.
Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2017 7:51 pm