FEBRUARY 16, 2012—We have another answer for those who ask, “What can the Union do for me?”

This morning the National Mediation Board announced they have reversed the Investigators’ decision that denied almost 1,000 IAM Members their right to vote in the ongoing Public Contact Employees representation election. All line station CSR’s, furloughed Air Freight Agents, and active and furloughed Station Operations Representatives have had their fundamental right to vote reinstated, as a result of the IAM Legal Department’s formal appeal.

The rejection by the Board of the Investigators’ determination has done two things. It has exposed the company’s true opinion of their employees and their fear of an organized workforce. It also shows the fundamental benefit of our Union; our ability to defend our Membership.

The IAM was successful against the high-priced, high-pressure lawyers and upper management that tried to manipulate the lives of working people for their own use.

The ability of our Union to stand up for its Members in every forum—grievances, negotiations, and even in front of the government —is unique in today’s society. No other organization has the legal right, the resources, and the determination to provide protection for working people, except a labor organization. Today’s decision is another example of collective action at its best.

The NMB has recognized that the confusion created by the company’s position and the Investigators’ decision may have prevented some eligible employees from voting, thinking their vote would not count. Therefore, the Board has extended the period of time allowed for voting and has set Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time as the new date for voting. In addition, the Board has extended the time for requesting a duplicate set of voting instructions to March 2, 2012.

District 141 welcomes this decision, and encourages every eligible employee to vote. By choosing Option #1, and electing to belong to the IAM, individuals can be guaranteed that there will always be an organization that will protect their rights, give them a voice when all others want them silenced, and work with the sole purpose of improving the lives of working people.

We thank our skilled and aggressive attorneys, Carla Siegel and David Neigus, who worked extremely hard on behalf of the Members of District 141. We thank all of the Members who came forward to tell their story to the NMB. And we thank all of the different departments within our Union, especially GVP Sito Pantoja’s Transportation Department for believing in every Member’s right to be heard, and working so closely with District 141 to fight this uphill battle and win this victory for all Members.

Today truly shows what your Union can do for you.

We now have to make this win mean something greater. If you haven’t voted yet, do it now. If you have voted, ask your coworkers if they have voted, and encourage them to become part of history.

—Rich