Have you ever Striked??

What you don't know is that I have supported one strike and crossed on another. Both in the aviation industry. I have been affected by 4 strikes which were not part of my work group; but, effected my position substantially i.e. Pilots strike.

The funny things is that when I went into management, I was labeled as pro-management and anti-union which is why I find your comments commical.

My position, I support an airline unions RIGHT to strike. Why? Because, the process as defined by the NLRB is unlike any other scenario in the workplace. This is the result of YEARS of failed negotiations, Federal oversight, impass and mediation. Without the ability of labor to strike, the process would be inept and the company could unilaterally impose wages and terms.

Do I support this strike?? I honestly do not believe there was a choice. If I were a mechanic, I would have authorized it as I would not be willing to see the jobs of half my co-workers lost without negotiation and hopefully some compromise.

If NWA and AMFA were willing, I believe a comromise could be reaced to retail 80% of positions, consolidate bases, reduce pay and benefits to present industry standards and contract 747 and A330 maintenance to KLM/Air France. Maybe even capitalize on a joint relationship to use some of the empty facilities that NWA is paying for since the base closing.

I am not a huge AMFA fan; but, I beleive they had little if any choice in this matter. This was a predetermined fate over two years ago when the contract expired. This is also a product of the formation of AMFA. The seperation from IAM and the bias towards PFAA has alienated the union and NWA is using this capital well. Were AMFA to have a better relationship with the other unions there would never have been a strike as NWA could not compensate for the rank and file support.

What would I do???? I would place a greater value on family and walk away. Just like I did years ago . . . .