Originally Posted by
bemak
My guess as to why Cape Air didn't pay dues until they were contractual, as with Amerijet is that both started negotiations during Treichler's reign. The new IBT administration felt that there was a lack of representation during initial negotiations due to no one having a financial interest. Taking dues immediately was thought to enhance participation of the pilot group. I am assuming that this is what is happening at Omni. Too many guys complain that the "union" whoever it may be, was not doing anything for them, even though the guy had never laid out one penny of his own money.
I'm don't think that is what is happening at Omni at all, in regards to people paying dues and complaining that the union is not doing anything for them, although obviously the pilot group was not satisfied with the product that was initially brought to them by the IBT. I do think your right about when the negations began and how that effected if dues were required during negotiations or not, as Cape Air started under the 747 local. Cape Air does not have a contract yet either, for what it is worth.
My point was that people that were not card carrying members were so interested to have a say that they paid up on their dues, sometimes even 1000's of dollars.
The initial number of 60 percent participation was way off, and we need to squash that rumor immediately. I do not think that all hope is lost for success here, but I do think you will see lots of people leaving for greener pastures, but truth be told those people were probably going to leave anyways.
My
personal feeling is that everyone that will be in the union after the contract passes should have a vote, but that is my personal opinion. I know the IBT is a business, and a business needs to make money to be successful, but when it comes down to voting, everyone should get a say. However, this is solely my opinion, and it is worth about as much as you just paid for it.
