The irony in the issue . . .

A few years back, AMFA pitched hard and broke the Cleaners away from the IAM which represents the Ramp and Customer Service personnel. This made an interesting marriage as the Mechanics (aircraft) are paid signifantly higher for a skilled (licensed) trade.

Forward to today . . . NWA proposes elimination of most Cleaner amd Custodial positions which along with the Mechanic layoffs represent over 50% of the membership base.

Since a majority would be required to authorize a strike as well as approve a contract, when you eliminate over 50% of the rank and file you have predetermined the result.

If AMFA had left the Cleaners in the IAM, the proposed cuts would have been approximately 20% workforce with a 26% cut compensation and benefit cut.

I don't think these facts have been lost on NWA. The 50% reduction guarantees a work action and the AMFA history just about guarantees the lack of support from IAM.

Reminds me of TWA days . . . keep the Unions fighting each other and Management comes out smelling like a rose.