Originally Posted by Machnumber

IBT went ahead and sent out a email regarding the whole authorizing to vote thing.... thought i would post it up so everyone could read.


"Colgan Air Crewmembers:
I wanted to address some concerns regarding the organizing drive and the National Mediation Board (NMB) election. The key fact to remember is that these are two separate events. The organizing drive is a time to educate you on the potential benefits of electing IBT Local 747 as your bargaining representation, and to demonstrate to the NMB a showing of interest in order for them to authorize a representation election. This showing of interest is demonstrated through signing and submitting organizing (aka authorization) cards.

In order to file for a representation election with the NMB on your behalf, the NMB requires 35% of eligible crewmembers to sign and submit cards. The Teamsters have an internal requirement of 65%. The rationale behind this higher requirement is that once the election is filed for and authorized by the NMB, if 50% plus one of the pilot group does not vote "yes" for a union, a one year bar from attempting to obtain representation goes into place. You as Colgan Air pilots have already experienced the one year bar, where the Company was guaranteed inaction by the pilot group no matter how bad the work rules became or general dissatisfaction increased. We take your opportunity to gain representation seriously therefore we strive for 65%.

After the requisite number of authorization cards is submitted and the election is authorized, you will then be mailed voting instructions along with a voter identification number (VIN) and personal identification number (PIN). It is then, during the election, that you cast your vote for union representation, not with the signing and submission of an authorization card.

The risk of the pilot group internalizing false information regarding the significance of a signed authorization card is insurmountable. Remember, there are two thresholds to gaining union representation: (1) signing and submitting your authorization card, and (2) casting your vote for IBT Local 747 once the National Mediation Board election is authorized. I've attached a rough outline detailing these steps, in addition to what happens during and immediately after the election.

There have also been rumors that Colgan can by-pass an election and voluntarily allow a union on property to represent you. Is this true? Actually yes, the National Mediation Board does allow a company to voluntarily accept (in writing) a union chosen by the majority of its workers onto its property. Is this probable? No. What company would voluntarily invite a union onto the property unless it was an in-house union controlled by the company? If Colgan was willing to allow a union on the property without you fighting for it, would you really need a union to begin with? The voluntary recognition clause does exist, but the likelihood of it being invoked by Colgan is highly improbable. A quick resource for questions regarding the NMB is Frequently Asked Questions: Representation.

Remember, not only stay strong, but more importantly stay informed. We look forward to talking and meeting with you during the Q&A sessions being held in EWR, IAD and IAH. For times and locations, please see our website at Teamsters Local Union No. 747 Home. And as always, if you have any questions, please feel free to email or call me.

Don’t let others distract you from what is truly important—the interests of Colgan Air Pilots."

Originally Posted by MudPupppy

It's funny how they say voluntary recognition does exist, but not likely used because companies don't want unions. That's exactly what happened with our flight attendants. Colgan voluntary recognized the Steel workers to prevent having to deal with the AFA just last year.

Not impressed with the IBT drive at all

Originally Posted by saabguy493

Do you really think that you are going to get all those new guys to sign a card and pay union dues for 10 years until you get a contract!?!?! Seriously, I know it was close last time but I just don't seeing it getting voted in this year either. I just hope that everyone gets informed as to the pros and cons of what alpa is going to do. Teamsters is the lesser of two evils anyway... flame on!

Originally Posted by The Juice

Here is was big key for me. Both ALPS and Teamsters is offering informational gatherings for the Colgan pilots at various locations including IAH where I am based.

ALPA came to the airport and had pilots and reps on property to answer questions for pilots in the terminal when we had a few minutes between flights.

Teamsters has not come to the airport, they have their little meetings at the headquarters in IAH.

Teamsters is not even willing to come to the airport to talk to us, what does that say?

Originally Posted by Nevets

That is because ALPA is a union ran by pilots and not union bosses...

Originally Posted by IQuitEagle

Yeah right. Then why, pray tell, did the powers-that-be change the official stance on age 65, when the majority of the members surveyed came out against it, not once, but twice? Why did then ALPA president Woerthless give a speech to the APA in MIA back in late 2001 about how "regional pilots don't make up the majority, so don't worry if their interests are in conflict with yours"? And I thought that we at Eagle, not American,were actually voting members of ALPA...

Not to turn this into an age 65 debate or what not, but come on. I was an ALPA member before. Not impressed. Not really impressed with IBT either, and maybe ALPA is the lesser of two evils. But let's not get carried away with ourselves thinking that ALPA is all that.

Originally Posted by Machnumber

IBT went ahead and sent out a email regarding the whole authorizing to vote thing.... thought i would post it up so everyone could read.

There have also been rumors that Colgan can by-pass an election and voluntarily allow a union on property to represent you. Is this true? Actually yes

Originally Posted by Machnumber

Is this probable? No.

Originally Posted by Machnumber

The voluntary recognition clause does exist, but the likelihood of it being invoked by Colgan is highly improbable.

Originally Posted by Machnumber

What company would voluntarily invite a union onto the property unless it was an in-house union controlled by the company?

Originally Posted by Machnumber

If Colgan was willing to allow a union on the property without you fighting for it, would you really need a union to begin with?

Originally Posted by Machnumber

If Colgan was willing to allow a union on the property without you fighting for it, would you really need a union to begin with?

Originally Posted by MudPupppy

It's funny how they say voluntary recognition does exist, but not likely used because companies don't want unions. That's exactly what happened with our flight attendants. Colgan voluntary recognized the Steel workers to prevent having to deal with the AFA just last year.

Not impressed with the IBT drive at all

Originally Posted by stobelma

From what I understand, ALPA was against the age 65 rule from the start. The only reason they backed it was because it was going to pass whether or not ALPA wanted it so why not have a little say in the bill rather than getting nothing.