Definition of a Scab?
10-08-2022, 01:36 PM
#1
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Definition of a Scab?
Trying to figure this out, not start a dumpster fire, so be cool. FWIW, I got my first union card in 1976 when I was 15 years old.
To me a Scab is anyone who crosses a picket line for someone else's job, and takes the job. But I've heard that within ALPA each MEC has a different definition of Scab. If what I'm told is correct, Continental pilots defined a Scab as anyone who crossed the line and took the job, including Basic Indoc, but (if I am told correctly) United defined a Scab as anyone who turned a wheel, but starting systems or ground school was ok, leading to people such as the 570, etc.
If this is true, how come? Why are there different definitions of Scab? Are there any other airlines who define it in even more ways?
Discuss...
To me a Scab is anyone who crosses a picket line for someone else's job, and takes the job. But I've heard that within ALPA each MEC has a different definition of Scab. If what I'm told is correct, Continental pilots defined a Scab as anyone who crossed the line and took the job, including Basic Indoc, but (if I am told correctly) United defined a Scab as anyone who turned a wheel, but starting systems or ground school was ok, leading to people such as the 570, etc.
If this is true, how come? Why are there different definitions of Scab? Are there any other airlines who define it in even more ways?
Discuss...
10-08-2022, 02:19 PM
#2
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This is like asking “when does life begin”. You’re going to get a lot of very riled up people over something that is pretty difficult to objectively define.
I can see arguments for both sides. IMO it’s touching an airplane to be a “scab”, but going to an airline hoping a labor dispute will be resolved before you touch the yoke is kind of scummy in my opinion. Not worthy of the ultimate dirtbag title of “scab” but questionable behavior in my book.
But that’s just me.
I can see arguments for both sides. IMO it’s touching an airplane to be a “scab”, but going to an airline hoping a labor dispute will be resolved before you touch the yoke is kind of scummy in my opinion. Not worthy of the ultimate dirtbag title of “scab” but questionable behavior in my book.
But that’s just me.
10-08-2022, 04:44 PM
#3
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I’ll throw my humble opinion out there on this. As a fairly dedicated unionist who’s been on strike and also been the chairman of my previous airline’s SPC:
I contend that if you’re costing an airline money (as in entered training as a new-hire) then you’re not a scab. However, the second you start generating revenue for the airline (starting IOE) you’re scabbing.
I contend that if you’re costing an airline money (as in entered training as a new-hire) then you’re not a scab. However, the second you start generating revenue for the airline (starting IOE) you’re scabbing.
10-08-2022, 05:17 PM
#4
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Originally Posted by WHACKMASTER
I’ll throw my humble opinion out there on this. As a fairly dedicated unionist who’s been on strike and also been the chairman of my previous airline’s SPC:
I contend that if you’re costing an airline money (as in entered training as a new-hire) then you’re not a scab. However, the second you start generating revenue for the airline (starting IOE) you’re scabbing.
I contend that if you’re costing an airline money (as in entered training as a new-hire) then you’re not a scab. However, the second you start generating revenue for the airline (starting IOE) you’re scabbing.
10-08-2022, 07:35 PM
#6
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Originally Posted by WHACKMASTER
I’ll throw my humble opinion out there on this. As a fairly dedicated unionist who’s been on strike and also been the chairman of my previous airline’s SPC:
I contend that if you’re costing an airline money (as in entered training as a new-hire) then you’re not a scab. However, the second you start generating revenue for the airline (starting IOE) you’re scabbing.
I contend that if you’re costing an airline money (as in entered training as a new-hire) then you’re not a scab. However, the second you start generating revenue for the airline (starting IOE) you’re scabbing.
But not everyone, or every MEC, would be as copacetic about so it I would not suggest taking a job or performing any company duty with a strike in progress.
10-08-2022, 09:40 PM
#7
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Originally Posted by WHACKMASTER
I’ll throw my humble opinion out there on this. As a fairly dedicated unionist who’s been on strike and also been the chairman of my previous airline’s SPC:
I contend that if you’re costing an airline money (as in entered training as a new-hire) then you’re not a scab. However, the second you start generating revenue for the airline (starting IOE) you’re scabbing.
I contend that if you’re costing an airline money (as in entered training as a new-hire) then you’re not a scab. However, the second you start generating revenue for the airline (starting IOE) you’re scabbing.
10-08-2022, 10:50 PM
#8
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Originally Posted by rickair7777
Philosophically I agree.
But not everyone, or every MEC, would be as copacetic about so it I would not suggest taking a job or performing any company duty with a strike in progress.
But not everyone, or every MEC, would be as copacetic about so it I would not suggest taking a job or performing any company duty with a strike in progress.
10-09-2022, 04:22 AM
#9
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Originally Posted by PineappleXpres
I agree 100%. If you are collected a paycheck while other pilots are striking at the same carrier, you’re a scab. Doesn’t matter if you are generating revenue at that moment, as you are being trained to be ready for the company for that purpose. The strike could end the day you touch a plane, but the company benefited from having you ready for their revenue purposes. Such a random line drawn to excuse someone out there who got caught on the wrong side of the line (eye roll…).
10-09-2022, 07:50 AM
#10
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Originally Posted by CBreezy
What if you were in indoc when it goes down? If you walk, you're fired.
Lots of 'what ifs'...
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