Originally Posted by
chollie
Yeah, it sort of seems like 'union lite' to me (worked at a very large company with multiple unions, government contracts, so I have some knowledge of some union issues). I guess I can kind of understand some of the 'concerns' that the union will be able to negotiate about - scheduling and leave - I read that there have been complaints about favoritism in those areas and that there's hope that a union can help. I'm doubtful.
But I totally didn't understand the uniforms being specifically mentioned, particularly since they are fairly new. Did y'all have a lot of input into the design/whatever of the current uniforms?
Not asking you to comment, but I will say that I've also read that some in TSA feel that the union will enable them to speak more freely without fear of repercussions. Again, based on what I've seen of unions in the past, that may or may not work out. I'm particularly skeptical because TSA 'corporate' doesn't listen to anyone and TSA middle management seems completely out-of-control and AWOL. Hard to tell who's running the shop, but if Kippie couldn't get the barkers to stop barking and Pistole can't get the TDCs trained to recognize the ten commonest acceptable IDs on the website, I'm skeptical about just how much the union can accomplish in these areas.
Sorry for not replying all last week, but my daughter and Grandbaby came to visit the week of my birthday and I was off, doing the 4am diaper changes and singing (quite horribly mind you, most Klingons would find it pleasing, but not most of us!) lullabyes!
I agree it seems like union lite, but then I read somewhere this morning that one of the first things the union seems to be focusing on is eliminating PASS and converting to the GS pay system - go figure.
I have also heard complaints of favoritism and in many cases unions have cut down on some of it, but also in many cases it has just shifted from management favoritism to union favoritism.... Kind of a catch 22 situation I guess.
I have nothing on the uniforms, they are only aboout 3 years or so old, and why would you push for a redesign as part of your serious negotiations? What is the end goal of that argument, we ant ... a different uniform? Different grooming standards (they are fairly lax compared to say - the military or LEO organizations or even most civilian security companies)? New patches? What end are they angling for or is this just a throw away piece being entered into the mix to make it look like they are giving something substantive up when negotiations get nasty? I too have no clue what they are working on with this as an angle. As to the input, I do not know how much was taken from the workforce, I know that I personally was not asked for, nor gave any input, nor do I know of anyone that was involved.
I think one area that seems to be coming out more and more as I read around is the whistleblower protections and the ability to speak up more freely about things that you disagree with, and suggest alternatives. I do not have any specifics in my experience, but I have friends and colleagues that have mentioned something along the lines of a "keep your mouth shut and do what they tell you or else" mentality (I will add a disclaimer that none of these folks work here with me). I am not in fear of speaking up currently, but I am at a small airport and have the benefit of being aquainted with all of the workforce on a more personal level than I would be at say IAD or LAS. I am just interested in seeing what develops and the direction the union takes in the negotiations, and seeing what happens after the contract goes into effect.
Originally Posted by
TSO1973
FWIW, I voted no union. I don't see an upside to them with how tied their hands are on what they can do. And as far as the uni's go, biggest complaint I've heard is 6 month backorders for pants and jackets.
I have heard that about the dickies and jackets, not so much the pants so far.
Originally Posted by
exbayern
So..... the rule didn't change to allow 1 gallon bags at the checkpoint?
Not that I have seen, no. I will double check on it, but I have not heard that anywhere but here (mind you I have been out a week, so I have to spin back up to speed).
Originally Posted by
InkUnderNails
Inconsistency from airport to airport is almost understandable.
Inconsistency between check points in the same airport is less so.
But what is absolutely not understandable, or acceptable, is the day to day, or even passenger to passenger, inconsistency between screeners at the same check point.
I agree.
Originally Posted by
Boggie Dog
The union wants in because it makes them money. That is the only reason.
True, but sometimes good can come of the situation. I am decidedly on the fence - on the one hand, I think most unions are simply self serving gluttonous beasts that have outlived their need... On the other hand, I see where a union can enter into a workforce that is seriously undermanaged, mistreated and unfairly ajudicated by unworthy upper management get turned around and improve work conditions. Based on my personal experience and knowledge, the first description is usually the more apt one in recent times.