Originally Posted by
CAVU
Well here’s a reason: The current struggle playing out in our union is a clash between those wanting to pioneer a business relationship with the Company and a new and innovative approach to collective bargaining, versus the traditional trade unionist approach. Therefore, I would argue the onus is on the Company to ensure the new path is successful. But what do I know...
Pioneering a business relationship with the company? We've tried that, with the FPA. Only we called it, interest based bargaining. And, we found that the only thing management was interested in was, not bargaining.
Of course, the onus is on the company to ensure this works. And, our labor relations history should all the proof anyone here should need, to know that the only thing this company wants to ensure is that they can drag out negotiations as long as possible.
I would argue that a traditional trade unionist approach has never really been attempted here at FDX. Because, this membership has yet to acknowledge and respond like a true labor union. Good grief, we were in "self-help" for over 3 years!! And, then made the infamous "parking lot deal". We haven't come close to "self help" since.
But, I'm sure if we can just foster a business relationship with management or hire "professional lawyers" as negotiators...We'll have a contract by early 2013.
I'll give odds that UPS/IPA sign a real contract before we do.