Quote:
Originally Posted by Jetjok
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Personally I'd love to see you guys unionize, not just for yourselves, but in part to show the other work groups within FedEx that organization is possible, regardless of where you work. I know you face an uphill battle in your quest for unionization, one that, thankfully, the pilots didn't face, and that is the fact that you guys are spread out throughout the entire FedEx system and yet, like us, you are all one class and craft. It will be tough, and I'm sure the Company will fight you every step of the way, but believe me, if you are successful, you will enjoy a much better work environment as well as gain some control over how the company treats you.
JJ
JJ, I don't know if you were here in the late 80's and early 90's or not, but, I would have to raise the BS flag as to whether or not the pilots faced an uphill battle in our quest to unionize. Bringing a union on board was indeed a difficult journey. Even after ratification, we faced an uphill battle. That battle was amongst ourselves regarding support for our leadership. That lack of support led to years lost prior to obtaining our first contract.
Luckily, after nearly five years, we had our first contract. More importantly, the ground swell of support for our MEC grew exponentially. This support continued to the point where mantra's such as
"my negotiating committee speaks for me" became the norm. That can be good. Unfortunately, the responsibility of the leadership becomes ever increasingly important to fulfill their moral and fiduciary responsibilities to their constituents, the membership at large.
Actions, or lack thereof, over the past two years by our leadership and key committee groups have caused this pilot group to regress years in our cohesiveness as a union, IMHO. Yes,
we have to vote and ratify LOA's and the like. Hopefully, in the future, the membership will do their own homework, or demand accountability. If not, use caution when proclaiming your union speaks for you.
As for the mechanics quest, if my memory serves me correctly, they attempted to organize at least once before. I believe they were almost successful about 8-9 years ago in obtaining a vote for unionizing. The company offered a 27% pay raise, and with that, the push to unionize died overnight. Good luck in your quest.