United airlines negotiations
Resume
Rich Delaney, November 15, 2009 — Negotiations with United Airlines will resume this week in Chicago.
This is the first meeting of the two sides since early October, with the exception of a two day meeting to review progress and to identify areas of the contracts that will be addressed next in United Airlines negotiations. | Full Story
Also in this update — Job security remains a priority. How a change in NMB voting rules may help. New convenience features added to iam141.org navigation. | Full Story
NMB proposal needs, deserves airline worker's support
District 141 has joined with the entire membership of the Machinists Union in their support of Fair Elections within the Airline/Railroad industries. The National Mediation Board (NMB) recently proposed a change to the rules governing union representation elections under their authority that, for the first time in history, places these types of votes on the same standard as every other election in free societies.
Whether an election is held for President of the United States or the local library board, the standard has always been that the winner is determined by counting the votes cast and the majority wins. However, in union representation votes there is an additional requirement – a majority of those eligible to vote must vote or else the election is voided.
This has led to years and years of failed organizing attempts within the transportation industry, solely for that reason. In fact, most votes that are invalidated as a result of this rule show that an union would have won based on the majority of votes cast.
The rule change needs and deserves the support of all Americans. Working men and women, whether unionized or not, need to support this change and level the playing field. Everyone that believes in a democratic process of determination by election understand that the current rules are slanted in favor of forces opposed to unions.
The National Mediation Board is seeking public comment about this proposed rule change before their final determination. The IAM and other concerned groups are asking their members and families to let the NMB know how important this change is to working Americans. We are conducting a card signing drive to show the widespread support this change has. Please sign a post card, when asked by your representative, and return it to the IAM for delivery to the NMB. You may also visit the IAM’s website and electronically submit your opinion at www.goiam.org/mediation-form.php.
The NMB has determined that January 4, 2010 will be the final day for public comment. Please act today and let the NMB know you support this historic and necessary change.