My point is that IBT357 appears to be more of the same old $hi+ for you guys. FAPA, RPC, ALPA aside, that is all in the past. No longer pertinent to the discussion. That game is over. Present and future is all that matters at this point. Like you said, IBT was the lesser of the evils and it may have been the best worst choice you had. I get it. Just make sure they are truly working for you with your best interests in mind. I've been pointing out for the last 6 weeks that IBT357 (and National) are master manipulators and misrepresent/spin information in a masterful way. Don't let them.

You said it! Too many of your guys appear to blindly follow along, but I am encouraged that more recently, some are starting to question the Teamsters tactics and communications. For better or worse, you are all stuck with the Teamsters for now. You're committed so you might as well make sure they are doing the best possible job they can for YOU since YOU are covering the bill with YOUR DUES (and ours too!). I hear the 357 has an open book policy regarding their finances. All you need to do is stop by the office and check them out, right? Anyone ever try that? My understanding is that they are a little sensitive to having "members" view such material. This is your money fellas so make sure they are spending it wisely.

The only thing the Teamsters appear to do well is screw people, often including their own members. Draw the line!


Answer #1:

Keep your representatives honest. Ask them to communicate the truth to you in a timely manner, not 10 days later, after the message has been professionally massaged to meet their needs. Good news is good news, bad news is bad news, just make sure they are giving you the good and the bad, a.k.a "the truth."

The only thing that sucks more than lack of communication is being communicated to in a way that often (and repeatedly) misrepresents the truth. That might be summed up as disingenuous and it is exactly the game your representatives are playing. Put them on the hot seat and keep them honest.

As for the Known Crewmember situation, IBT represents airline pilots as do the other organizations who attended the most recent meeting/conference call. The fact that IBT did not participate suggests to me that they either (1) chose not to attend or (2) were not aware of such meeting. In either case, this is a gross example of their failure as stewards of your best interests. Maybe one of your guys (3662?) can ask them to comment on the circumstances associated with their lack of participation. I'm pretty certain they wouldn't have passed on a meeting of similar significance related to pipe fitters, beer brewers or Twinkie makers. But then again, that is the their bread and butter, not Airline pilots.

Answer #2:

Quit and find a better job!